Argentina won over Mexico in the 2022 World Cup group phase match at the Lusail Iconic Stadium, Sunday (27/11).
Argentina tried to play attack. Mexico did not necessarily survive totally. Implementing a moderate line of defense, Mexico also tried to grab the ball when Argentina played the ball in its own playing area.
Having a lot of possession of the ball, Argentina seemed to have difficulty getting further into the Mexican defense which appeared solid and strong. Meanwhile, Mexico occasionally tries to take advantage of the balls in the Argentina game area.
Lionel Messi fired a free kick from the right wing that led directly to the goal in the 34th minute. Guilermo Ochoa punches the ball.
Meanwhile, Mexico’s best chance was created in the 45th minute through Alexis Vega’s free kick which headed towards goal, but was caught well by Emiliano Martinez.
Argentina applied the same pattern of play in the second half. Again, it was difficult for the Albiceleste to dismantle the Mexican defense.
A Messi free kick in the 52nd minute still soared far from the target.
Angel Di Maria’s stab on the left wing also failed to produce results because Luis Chavez was able to intercept the ball.
The game of underball and overball from Argentina can be well anticipated by Mexico.
The numbers on the new scoreboard changed in the 65th minute. Di Maria, who operated on the right side, then gave the ball to Messi. With just one control, Messi then fired a shot which made the ball nestle in the lower left corner of the Mexican goal. Argentina leads 1-0.
Mexico responded by appearing more attacking. Even though it was enough to pose a threat to Argentina, on the other hand there were gaps in the Mexican defense so that the game was more open.
Several times Mexico tried to release the ball into the heart of the Argentine defense, but there were no really threatening opportunities. Argentina also failed to take advantage of opportunities in the penalty box Mexico.
Only in the 88th minute did Enzo Fernandez double Argentina’s lead. Starting from Rodrigo De Paul’s corner kick which was directed at Messi, the ball was then given by La Pulga to Fernandez. Being in the penalty box, Fernandez made a move to outwit the opponent and then kicked the ball with his right foot.
