Second Round: Argentina vs Mexico

Those with a good memory will remember that this is a repeat of the high quality last 16 encounter from 2006 where Argentina were pushed all the way before winning in extra time. Diego Maradona will be hoping that it does not come to this with his side $1.53 to win in normal time. They looked fantastic in attack during the group stage winning all three games and scoring seven goals. Lionel Messi is looking dangerous and Gonzalo Higuain looks to be comfortable at international level. Yet players like Jonas Gutierrez and Martin Demichelis will continue to worry Argentine fans with their ability to make dreadful errors at a moment’s notice.

Mexico should perhaps have beaten the hosts in their opening game but looked very good as they dispatched France 2-0. They look like a reasonably balanced side with Carlos Salcido shoring up the back, Gerardo Torrado a steadying influence in midfield Giovani Dos Santos providing them with one of their attacking options. They are a solid side but it may take more than a decent side to get the best of Argentina which is why Mexico are $7 to win this in normal time.

Argentina look like a side on a mission and may well have finally put their farcical qualifying campaign behind them. They look like a team united on a quest and Maradona may yet be the managerial hero, albeit an unorthodox one. With Messi in imperious form and the rest of the attack singing from the same hymn sheet, Argentina look to have enough to beat Mexico, even with their defensive deficiencies. Mexico will be brave and put up a fight, but in the end Argentina’s undoubted talent including the likes of Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero will eventually overwhelm them in what could be a very entertaining game.