Argentina to rally and beat Mexico in thriller
Argentina suffered one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history when they suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Saudi Arabia, having led through a Leo Messi penalty and had a litany of goals chalked off for offside. Only a win will do against a solid Mexico side that drew 0-0 against Poland in their curtain raiser, courtesy of goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa saving a Robert Lewandowski penalty. The Lusail Iconic Stadium will host on Monday night what promises to be a very open game of football. Read our preview here:
Tied up in Kn-Otamendi
Not only was the result surprising, but the manner of the Green Falcons' daring tactical performance, maintaining a very high defensive line and putting pressure on the counter down the flanks. It's unlikely Lionel Scaloni will rip up his notebook at this point, though there were obvious problems at centre back and in the collective defending of wide areas. The onus will be on attacking El Tri from the outset and trying to disguise those issues as a consequence. Nicolas Otamendi was not a popular pick ahead of Manchester United's Lisandro Martínez, but he could be better suited for a constant physical battle with the front three in green. Elsewhere, Ángel Di María needs to be more involved in the final third, whilst Lautaro Martínez just needs to time his runs in behind a little better - he is unlikely to have as much room to penetrate, however.
On my Edson
Like La Albiceleste, Gerardo Martino is set to have a full squad of 26 to choose from, which will include Raúl Jiménez after the Wolverhampton Wanderers striker felt no ill effects when he came on as a substitute in the Poland clash. His experience, physicality, not to mention his finishing, were all sorely lacking from his team's display. In this one, they are certain to have less possession but more space to pass and move into when they win it back - Ajax's Edson Álvarez will sit in front of the back four and do his very best to ensure there is limited room for Messi and co to work their magic. Hirving Lozano could target Otamendi's ground game by coming off the right wing and driving at him with the ball, and he'll need ample support to make the most of those opportunities. Ochoa is also likely to be called into action far more.
Betting tip
If Argentina lose, they're out at the group stage with a game to spare, having started as perhaps second favourites behind Brazil. Moreover, a draw would leave huge pressure on them in the final game with Poland, regardless of the latter side's result against Saudi Arabia. Casumo have odds of 29.00 for a thrilling 3-2 win to keep their hopes alive.
