World Cup: Argentina v Mexico preview

Argentina were the victims of one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history when the 'Albiceleste' were beaten 1-2 by Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. The result was embarrassing for Lionel Scaloni's side and not one want Argentinian fans expected when they woke up for the 7am start local time. 

However, the defeat will soon be forgotten about if Argentina manage to progress from the group. Next up is Mexico, who drew 0-0 in their opener with Poland, Argentina's final opponents. The fact that game ended in a draw is good news for Argentina as they are just one point off second. However, it does mean that, unless Saudi Arabia beat both Mexico and Poland, they will need a minimum of four points to progress and only two wins will guarantee their spot in the next round. 

Scaloni's men were guilty of getting themselves into offside positions on too many occasions in the first half of the clash with Saudi Arabia and their wastefulness ended up costing them dearly. Then, once Saudi Arabia took the lead, they were unable to break down a team who packed everyone behind the ball. If Argentina concede the first goal against Mexico, they could struggle to turn the situation around. 

As for Mexico, they were the better side in the first half against Poland, but failed to make the breakthrough. Then, they were second best in the second 45 and had Guillermo Ochoa's penalty save to thank for them not leaving empty handed. Despite drawing a blank in their opener, Napoli's Hirving Lozano is part of their front line so Argentina have to be on their toes.

The two teams met in a fiesty last 16 clash at the 2010 World Cup when Argentina won 4-1. However, that match was marred by controversy as Carlos Tevez' opening goal was clearly offside and, despite the assistant referee seeing the mistake on the big screen, the goal stood. Will Argentina get a much needed victory or will Mexico send Argentina on an early flight back to South America? 

While you sit back and enjoy the match, why not have a bet? Betway has odds of 1.57 for Argentina to defeat Mexico, proof that the bookies believe that Argentina's defeat was a freak accident.