Mexcio

Argentina defeated Mexico in quarter-final of 06' World Cup. That game went into over time and was won by Maxi Rodriguez's wonder goal.

Some Mexicans define their style 'passing offense' and 'solid defense', but remember how they were sliced wide open by this sequence of passes? A wise Mexican would of reconsidered their chances before betting against Argentina based on the result of that 06' WC match. I'm not saying Mexico doesn't have a solid defense and formidable offense. Just that the quality of their structure needs to be tested by a good offensive team.

I heard the argument that there's no OT in Copa America, better chance for Mexico to force a PSO. I also heard the talks of better striker combination for Mexico this year, and their defense sustained less injuries. But people have to realize. This Argentina team is more efficient offensively compared to the 06' WC squad, and Basile is a more experienced coach than Pekerman at senior level.
Had Basile been coaching the 06' WC team, the offensive substitutions would of happened much earlier. The game yesterday vs. Peru was a perfect demonstration of this DT difference, and Basile has gained massive loyalty from his organization of the 4 Copa America matches.

Am I underestimating Mexico? Perhaps. Because the reference point to determine Mexico's real capability is Chile. And Chile's quality is unclear because results from 2 out of their 4 games were weighted (benching starters in their second meeting with Brazil due to internal conflicts and the "negotiated" draw with Mexico). But it's pointless to go there right now. Our objective is beating Mexico so we can gain entrance to the final.

On paper Mexico is playing 4-4-2. But clear eyes have identified that they're really playing the same 3-5-2. Israel Castro playing fullback is an illusion. He is a wingback and has the same job description as Mendez in World Cup.

Rest of the Mexican defense is made up with Magallon, Marquez and Fausto Manuel Pinto. All 3 can play either center or outside. So they generally manmark 3 offensive players with the defense line (that's why you see the 3 swap positions. Because their marks have swapped sides). Francisco Rodriguez is their defensive substitute. And as Leon10 pointed out, Pinto also pushes for width at times.

2 holding midfielders mark 2 more opponent attackers. In the World Cup Mexico used Pardo and Torrado. But this year Pardo played in Gold Cup and wasn't enlisted for Copa, so now it's Correa and Torrado. With Gonzalo Pineda as backup.

Then there are 2 offensive midfielders. These 2 can be any combination of wingers and CAMs. Candidates are: Guardado, Fernando Arce, Ramon Morales, Blanco, Adolfo Bautista, Jaime Lozano and Alberto Medina. Adolfo Bautista and Blanco are CAM; Guardado, Morales and Arce are wingers; and the other 2 seemed to be substitutes.

The rest 2 are obviously forwards, selected from the pool including Omar Bravo, Nery Castillo and Juan Carlos Cacho.

Thanks for Leon10's correction on the Mexico lineup. Hopefully I've got it right this time.


Which Formation to choose would depend on how Basile scores the Mexican Offense. It can have maximum of 7 people on offense, 5 of which are capable attackers. Only 1 wing back so usually at least one left wing midfielder is required...
Mexico has not shown much flexibility in their strategies. But to play too defensively would be like putting our fate in their hand. We should play offensively to settle the scores early on, 4-3-1-2 would be my choice.

Realistically speaking. Milito will probably start ahead of Tevez. Early in the game, it's better to use a #9 to fatigue the opponent defenders with his physical advantages. Once the defenders are tired we can put on our #11 sprinter to exploit with his speed and acceleration. So Tevez coming in during second half should be expected.

Oh well. Just wished Maxi was here so that strategy could be executed perfectly.


It'll be a competition in both offense and defense. Both sides have excellent attackers and midfielders, but Mexico might have more reliable defenders. Whether we can win this game will largely depend on how our defense performs. Come on you D-line assholes, play a good game. SHUT THEM DOWN!

I always liked VIPNERD's comments so here I'll summerize it with what he wrote on Bigsoccer forum.

Last nite in the press conference, Basile was asked if Tevez would play against Mexico. He answered that if "it is up to me to make the team he would play". Quite sarcastic.

Also, if it wasn't done to motivate Carlitos ... he was assigned Messi as room mate. You can only imagine the chemistry between both by now.

Mexico will press in all sectors of the field, just as they did in the WC. They have less of an air threat now compared to last time. But tend to outnumber you in the midfield. It is important that Zanetti pushes forward to balance the mid and control Guardado or Morales if he gets to play.

Another thing to point out is that, with luck or not, they have only received 1 goal in this Copa America. But they did receive lots of danger in hteir box. It is as much a deficit from the attacking opposition as much as their organization.

Milito should start the game ... give Marquez and Co. a tuff time with the crosses and then bring Carlitos "Hulk" Tevez to rip them apart with his power and speed. The heat factor will once again be important to dosify.

As to Neri, he is a good player. He was given too much space by the Brazilians, who probably thought Neri was the player of the Gold Cup, where he pretty much was absent. Now that you know he has speed and good dribbling, the key is to anticipate him ... not let him receive the ball. Afterall, common! he is still playing at Olympiakos ... it is not as if he hasn't played in european club competition yet he is still there. No club was "sparked" by his performances. In other words, against better defenders, he has shown what he is made of. Lets hope he doesn't decide to open up on Wed.

The 90' to pks is BS thou. In the WC and Confederations Cup you knew you had 30 more minutes to open them up. This time Argentina needs to apply offensive pressure from the go. Score first and open them up.