La Albiceleste is back and continuing a mastery over a clueless and disorganized Mexican National Team. It certainly looks like Argentina continues to have the upper edge over El Tri.
I must say whatever happened to Mexico was because they were oblivious or simply not into the game, and letting the Argentinians become too dominant in the entirety of the game and showing results that speak aloud.
After all, La Albiceleste goalie Emiliano Martinez delivered his first World Cup Clean sheet.
In the first half, manager Martino sent a 5-3-2 formation with Alexis Vega and Hirving Lozano in the front of attack that couldn’t generate any dangers to Martinez’s posts. In the second half, we saw a shift in the formation with a 4-2-3-1 and a number of moves with Uriel Antuna, Roberto Alvarado, and Erick Gutierrez.
Nothing in the end and no offensive revival for El Tri as the Argentinian backfield was very accurate and knew where the play was going to be and denying anything to at least trouble their goalkeeper.
Stats don’t lie with Argentina exerting its dominance with 58.5% possession over a 41.5% for Mexico and with 5 shots overall and 2 at goal being converted to Mexico’s 4 and just one at goal.
Defense wins games and for La Albiceleste, this became the main theme in 96 minutes in a game that they completely erased the likes of El Tri and the latter is in need of making a huge statement on Wednesday against Saudi Arabia and with a huge score.
In the end, for Mexico still have a chance to advance, but if Saudi Arabia plays like they played Argentina on their debut, I must say the odds wouldn’t favored the Mexican National Team.
What’s next for the Mexican National Team
Talking about chances for El Tri to move to the next rounds will be by winning alongside Poland. If Poland loses and Mexico wins, second place can be decided between the Poles and Mexico on group goal difference and goals scored (if records are identical, second is decided on fair play points).
The other scenario is that Poland and Argentina draw, second place will be decided between Mexico and Argentina on goal difference and goals scored if both sides finish with identical records, Argentina will get second place on a head-to-head; If Mexico wins by four or more goals, they could finish second and Argentina finishing third.
The best path for El Tri is if they defeat Saudi Arabia and Poland defeats Argentina.
In the end, Mexico has beaten the likes of Germany, France, and even Brazil what is it when they play Argentina they cannot perform and overcome the supremacy these had over them. El Tri has a number of players playing abroad.
Is it bad management or the always complex of winning when the Mexican National Team always exhibits in the end, winning is a must and with a number of players playing in the best leagues in Europe. No cigar and no miracle today for Mexico as many questions always arise in the end!
El Tri
