World Cup
2010-06-27 - Argentina vs Mexico
A Sports Betting Pick by Shady
Football : FIFA World Cup 2010 : Round of 16
Sunday, 27th June 2010 - Kickoff 7:30pm BST
Head to Head
Four years ago when both these team met at this stage, Argentina required extra time to win Mexico 2-1. Argentina have changed a lot since four years ago as Maradona have dropped the majority of his older players and selected a young and talented side for this World Cup.
In the previous 25 meetings, Argentina have only lost 4, drawing 10 and racking up 11 wins. This record gives us a good guide as how both these teams fare when they meet.
Argentina :
Before the World Cup, Maradona’s side were ranked 3rd to win the World Cup at 8.50, however after a good display during the group stages, Argentina are now into 6.00.
Going into this game, Maradona would be delighted with the way his sides performance in the group stages. Messi have been in sensational form and his unselfish play has created many opportunities for his teammates.
Walter Samuel and Martin Demichelis are two of the most solid defenders in Europe last season after guiding their respective team to the Champions League Final.
However, this defense line seems a bit sloppy on occasions and they will have to be at full concentration as the likes of Dos Santos, Vela and Hernandez will capitalize should they lose their focus.
Lionel Messi will be key in this Argentinean attack force and he is likely to go head to head against teammate Rafael Marquez. Both will know each other very well as they both play for Barcelona.
Mexico :
Mexico manager Aguirre has stated his ambition clearly, he wants his side to reach the quarter final for the first time in 24 years. Mexico have done well to reach this stage but on occasions the selections of players have been questionable.
Rafael Marquez have done well in the central holding midfield role by stopping opponents with his experience and spreading the play with his passes but once again his lack of pace will see the likes of Messi, Tevez and Higuain who are attacking from a more central position exploit this weakness. This was clearly displayed when Mexico played South Africa in their opening game.
Cuauhtemoc Blanco to help you change the game won't really work in the big games as the veteran Mexican also lacks pace and sharpness. No doubt he has the experience in him but his physical appearance tells you the whole story (big and bulky). I do not see how he will be able to make an impact on this game should Aguirre play him.
Manchester United’s latest signing Javier Hernandez have been putting on a good display in this World Cup and he should definitely deserve a starting position but Aguirre once again opt to start with Guillermo Franco who has not contributed a lot.
Dos Santos will be key for this Mexican side. Dos Santos has been displaying some dazzling dribbling skills and his runs have caused some trouble to opponents but more often than not, he has not linked up with his team mates.
Probable Team Line-Ups :
Argentina :
Romero, Gutierrez, Demichelis, Samuel, Heinze, Veron, Mascherano, Di’Maria, Tevez, Higuain and Messi.
Mexico :
Perez, Osoric, Rodriguez, Moreno, Salcido, Marquez, Toraddo, Juarez, Dos Santos, Vela/Hernandez and Franco
The Betting Verdict :
Despite a couple of fast players in the squad, most of the players in the team are rather slow and they lack pace especially in the defensive half. With the amount of pace Messi, Tevez, Higuain and co have, there is no doubt that they can easily out run the Mexican defense.
Argentina on the other hand are a rather well balance team with some youth and experience in the squad. Di’Maria who has yet to make an impact on this World Cup might just give Aguero to sneak into the starting lineup.
Watch out for Sergio Aguero as he can make the difference in the game. He made the difference when he came on against South Korea by creating 2 goals.
Personally, I do fancy Messi to be on his score sheet, but his unselfish minded play have created many opportunities for his team mates.
The Pick :
Argentina 3-1 Mexico (or 2-0)
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Argentina to win the game (Main Bet)Side Bet:
Consider trying Lionel Messi to score anytime as I fancy him to get his first World Cup goal.
