Lovin Predicts 2022 World Cup: Could Messi’s Dream End For Good Tonight?
The FIFA World Cup 2022 will be held in Qatar from 20th November to 18th December. 32 teams will compete across 64 matches, and Lovin Malta will be sharing its analysis, predictions, and key battles on the pitch ahead of some of the most important matches.
Argentina vs Mexico: Overview
The first round of games have been finalised, and the main shock was derived from Argentina’s loss against the Saudis. One of the pre-tournament favourites after going on a 36 games unbeaten streak, La Albiceleste have it all to do in the final two games to stand any chance of progressing.
Pressure will be on Messi, Di Maria, Scaloni & Co. to deliver this evening against a well drilled, organised Mexican outfit, also led by an Argentine coach.
El Tri will want to continue their record of going through the group stages of the World Cup, and a victory this evening will put hem in pole position to qualify ahead of their final match against Saudi Arabia, along with knocking out Argentina from he tournament.
Will Argentina bounce back from Game 1 and return to form, or will the Mexicans provide another upset and send one of the tournament favourites home after Game 2?
This match beckons to be fiery, feisty and combative, expecting fireworks galore!
Tactics and Formations:
After the shock opening loss, I am unsure is Scaloni will decide to switch to a back 3 in the hope of more offensive impetus.
The Argentine’s struggled to get through the Saudi back-line once Saudi deployed the low block, which will be of grave concern to Scaloni.
It is key that Argentina keep their cool in what is sure to be a stern test for them to keep their dreams alive. I would not be surprised if he stick to the 4-3-3 to face off Mexico man for man.
I see no reason to switch formations from ‘Tata’ Martino and his Mexican team. The tried and tested 4-3-3 will be suited to match up against the Argentina team regardless of which formation they will utilise.
The difference may be the approach to this game as opposed to Game 1, as I expect Mexico to have less of the ball and create chances on the counter. They will need to be 100% focused if they are to stave off the Argentina attack, which should be at full force in Lusail.
Key Battles on the pitch:
1) Lautaro Martinez (25yo Inter Milan (ITA) Striker) VS Hector Moreno (34yo Monterrey (MEX) Centre-Back)
Hector Moreno did well in his first test against the best that is Robert Lewandowski.
He will be hoping for a repeat performance personally as he comes up against Lautaro Martinez this evening. The strong, technically gifted Argentine was unfortunate to be slightly offside for what he thought was his debut World Cup goal, as Argentina then fell away in the 2nd half.
He will be hoping for more luck this evening in what is a crucial fixture.
2) Rodrigo De Paul (28yo Atletico Madrid (ESP) Central Midfielder) VS Edson Alvarez (25yo AFC Ajax (NED) Central Midfielder)
These 2 engines in the middle of the park will definitely trade dribbles and blows as they look to control the middle of the pitch.
De Paul will be the more offensive midfielder as he will look to supply Argentina’s fantastic attack with plenty of chances, whilst Alvarez will look to shield the Mexican defence with his brilliant defensive play (he started off as a Centre-Back) and spring chances on the counter himself.
A tit-for-tat battle is to be expected here, who will come out on top may make the difference in this match.
3) Nicolas Otamendi (34yo Benfica (PRT) Centre-Back) VS Henry Martin (30yo Club America (MEX) Striker)
Otamendi was the more solid Centre Back in Argentina’s upset defeat against the Saudis, I expect him to start in this match as his experience will be crucial to keep the Mexicans at bay.
His key opponent this evening will be Henry Martin, the first player from Mexico’s Yucatan state to play for the national team on the big stage.
The recently turned 30yo has taken advantage of Jimenez’s niggling injury problems to get the nod up front, and will want to prove his nation worthy with an efficient display and maybe a historic goal.
Prediction:
Well well well, we have Argentina staring at the face of elimination this evening, they would have definitely been rocked up by their defeat in Game 1.
I will however, back them to re- group and get back on track with a slender win over a tough Mexican outfit. 2-1 to La Albiceleste!
What’s your prediction for the Argentina-Mexico game?