Battle of the South Americans

JOHANNESBURG: Mexico will be looking to avenge their defeat at the 2006 World Cup when they take on two-time winners Argentina today for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.

Four years ago in Germany, the teams met at the same stage and a stunning extra-time goal by Maxi Rodriguez sealed a 1-0 win for Argentina, who later went out to hosts Germany in the quarter-finals.

The two teams meet again at Soccer City and Mexican midfielder Gerardo Torrado insists his team will “play to the death” to beat their illustrious opponents, coached by Diego Maradona.

Argentina have 11 wins compared to Mexico’s four with ten games drawn and Javier Aguirre’s Mexico side will need to pull something special out of the bag to create an upset.

Mexico’s chances hinge on whether they can close off the supply to Argentinian dangerman Lionel Messi, according to Barcelona teammate Rafael Marquez.

“I know him [Messi] pretty well and he’s tough to play against and to stop,” said Marquez. “We have to try to close down the space in which he operates as it is difficult to get the ball off him.”

Argentina struggled with an unconvincing qualification campaign but since their arrival in South Africa, they have looked impressive and three wins in Group B have put them amongst the favourites for the title.

But the 31-year-old Mexican captain Torrado says his side will set out to claim the prized scalp of Maradona’s side.

“We must play aggressively and look to put their goal-keeper under pressure,” he said. Mexico are hopeful that Carlos Vela will be fit for the match as he returns to training having missed the 1-0 defeat to Uruguay in their last group match.

Meanwhile, Maradona revealed that Inter Milan centre-back Walter Samuel is almost certain to miss the clash due to a hamstring problem and will likely be replaced by club teammate Nicolas Burdisso.

The winners will play either England or Germany.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 27^th, 2010.