Argentina are in desperate need of a win as they face Mexico in their second Group C encounter at the World Cup. Lionel Messi and co suffered a humiliating and shock defeat at the hands of Saudi Arabia in their opening match when they went down 2-1 having taken a first-half lead thanks to a penalty converted by Messi. Lionel Scaloni’s side were one of the pre-tournament favorites and face elimination unless they can get points on the board in Qatar tonight. The Argentina coach needs to fire up his attack and, at the very least, avoid defeat by Mexico if he wants to lead his team to the next round. Mexico, meanwhile, resolutely kept Poland at arm’s length in their World Cup opener and had veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa to thank after he saved Robert Lewandowski’s penalty to secure a goalless draw against the Eastern Europeans. That game was a game for the keepers, with neither team able to inspire at the top of the pitch. As such, Mexico are targeting their first goal of the tournament and may turn to Wolves’ Raul Jimenez for tonight’s game against Argentina. Follow all the action from Qatar with our live blog below:
Argentina vs Mexico
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World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Mexico
10 mins: Herrera looks to end up with a hell of a free kick in the Argentina area – he takes a slight hit but the man at the back post just can’t get to it! Kieran Jackson 26 November 2022 19:11 1669489783
World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Mexico
9 mins: Wasteful from Mexico – they close and lose the ball. Kieran Jackson 26 November 2022 19:09 1669489751
World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Mexico
8 min: Hirving Lozano does well to win a corner for Mexico on the right. That will be the key for the Mexicans tonight: how they use the set-pieces. Kieran Jackson 26 November 2022 19:09 1669489605
World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Mexico
5 mins: Early pressure from Argentina but defender Gonzalo Montiel is now down after being elbowed in the face by Mexico’s Alexis Vega! No booking by the Italian referee. Right decision. Physiotherapists are in progress though… (AFP via Getty Images) Kieran Jackson26 November 2022 19:06 1669489230
World Cup 2022: Argentina – Mexico
START: We’re on for this crucial Group C clash in Qatar! Can Lionel Messi guide his team to a much-needed Argentina win? The atmosphere inside this stadium – which will host the final – is booming! Kieran Jackson26 November 2022 19:00 1669489110
World Cup 2022: Argentina v Mexico – a reminder of the starting XIs!
Argentina: Damian Martinez, Montiel, Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Acuna, De Paul, Rodriguez, Di Maria, Messi, Mac Allister, Lautaro Martinez Mexico: Ochoa, Montes, Araujo, Moreno, Kevin Alvarez, Herrera, Guardado, Chavez, Gallardo, Lozano, Vega Kieran Jackson26 November 2022 18:58 1669488931
World Cup 2022: Argentina – Mexico
The teams are out at the spectacular Lusail Stadium! Time for national anthems! (AFP via Getty Images) Kieran Jackson November 26, 2022 6:55 p.m 1669488630
World Cup 2022: Argentina – Mexico
The players return after their warm-up as we prepare for this crucial Group C clash! Argentina are currently bottom of the group after losing 2-1 to Saudi Arabia, while Mexico are third after a 0-0 draw against Poland. Here’s a reminder of what happened between Poland and Saudi Arabia earlier today! Kieran Jackson26 November 2022 18:50 1669488390
World Cup 2022: Argentina v Mexico – Argentina aim to ‘turn the page’ after shock World Cup opener
By Miguel Delaney in Doha As Lionel Messi walked to breakfast the morning after the “nightmare” before, he immediately realized that the Argentina team needed a rally. The captain had told them they needed to “turn the page” on their shock defeat to Saudi Arabia, but felt a little more needed to be done to change the atmosphere. It was decided to open their camp at Qatar University and leave the players’ families. They stayed for over five hours, and it was said to be “great for the team”. There was already a significant difference from 24 hours ago, when the dressing room was described by many personalities as “horror”. If this all seems like an old-fashioned overemphasis on Argentina’s team psychology, that’s because it remains a very present problem. It was perhaps the national team most affected by the mood than any other in the last decade. When things are going well, as they have been throughout this 36-game stretch, the team can be electric. flying. When there is a setback, as it started with the first offside against Saudi Arabia, enough is enough for them. It is telling that they have never been left behind in such a long-term horizon. It’s even more telling that once Salem Aldawsari scored to put Saudi Arabia ahead, Argentina barely mustered a chance. Kieran Jackson 26 November 2022 18:46 1669488029
World Cup 2022 – Argentina – Mexico: Odds before the match!
Argentina the favorites with the bookies today in a match they really need to win! (Getty Images) Kieran Jackson26 November 2022 18:40
