Copa America Semifinal Preview: Mexico-Argentina

Copa America Semifinal Preview: Mexico-Argentina. What: Copa America Semifinal. When: 11/07/2007 (Wednesday). Time: 20:50 (ET). Where: Cachamay de Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela. Who: Mexico-Argentina.

VERY EVEN CONTEST

The two best teams in the Copa America will clash in what is expected to be one of the best matches in the tournament. Both Argentina and Mexico are undefeated so far, and come from emphatic victories in the quarterfinals. While Mexico hammered Paraguay 6-0, Argentina crushed Peru 4-0. An interesting point is that both teams are likely to be without their star strikers for the clash. As while Argentina lost Hernan Crespo early on in the tournament after picking up an injury, Mexico are unlikely to be able to count on Nery Castillo, who was injured in the Paraguay match, after scoring twice. Still, both teams have numerous players that can turn on the style and it is expected to be a fascinating encounter.

ARGENTINA HAVE THE UPPERHAND

The Argentines have a history of knocking off the Mexicans over the years. In Mexico’s first-ever Copa America participation in 1993, they met in a final that Argentina went on to win 2-1 in Ecuador. Since then, and after many international friendlies, as well as major competitions Argentina has continued to come out in front. In last year’s World Cup in Germany they met in the round of sixteen, and Argentina came from behind to win 2-1, with that memorable Maxi Rodriguez winner, that we are unlikely to ever forget. Argentina definitely have the upper hand over Peru, and have won most of the encounters between the teams over the years. Argentina are tied with Uruguay on 14 Copa America titles, their last being in 1993, while Mexico have never won the competition, although they’ve reached the final twice before. Including all statistics the Argentines are the most successful team in the history of the competition, while the Mexicans lie in tenth position.

SERIOUSLY ATTACKING TEAMS

The Argentines have proven that their players give results in the attack, scoring thirteen times in the Cope America so far. There’s no question Argentina’s attack is the best in the world, as they count on players with the caliber of Carlos Tevez, Diego Milito, Lionel Messi, Rodrigo Palacio, and Hernan Crespo [injured]. Then in midfield they have an attacking essence as well with Juan Roman Riquelme, who has been scoring frequently, Juan Sebastian Veron, Esteban Cambiasso, and Pablo Aimar. Could you believe Liverpool’s Javier Mascherano has also joint the attack, scoring twice in Argentina’s last two matches. But Mexico counters with several talented attacking players, like top scorer Nery Castillo [likely injured], Adolfo Bautista, Omar Bravo, Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Juan Carlos Cacho. These players aren’t quite at the level of the Argentines, but they are still all world class strikers that have proven that they can find the back of the net with ten goals between them.

BASILE VS SANCHEZ

Both respected managers will be looking to win the Copa America, after receiving lots of criticism in the past. Alfio Basile started off his second stint with the national team on the wrong foot with a humiliating 3-0 defeat against rivals Brazil, and then his team went on to lose 2-1 against Spain. In Copa America preparation matches they could only afford a 1-1 draw against Switzerland and beat lowly Algeria 4-3. Still Argentina came into the competition as the favourites and Basile has been praised for his team’s exciting brand of football. Hugo Sanchez was also feeling the heat, after a disappointing CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign that saw them struggle to beat weak teams. Although they did reach the final they lost 2-1 against bitter rivals USA, and this didn’t come easy to the Mexicans. They have lost against USA in most of their recent meetings, and Sanchez was given the blame for his team’s bad performance in the match. But like Basile, Sanchez’s Mexico side has done extremely well in the Copa America, and his time as manager is likely to be extended.

PROBABLE STARTING XI

Mexico: Oswaldo Sanchez, Jhonny Magallon, Rafael Marquez, Israel Castro, Fausto Pinto, Gerardo Torrado, Fernando Arce, Andres Guardado, Jaime Correa, Nery Castillo (Adolfo Bautista) and Juan Carlos Cacho. Manager: Hugo Sanchez.

Argentina: Roberto Abbondanzieri, Javier Zanetti, Roberto Ayala, Gabriel Milito, Gabriel Heinze, Juan Sebastian Veron, Javier Mascherano, Esteban Cambiasso, Juan Roman Riquelme, Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez. Manager: Alfio Basile.

KEY PLAYERS

Mexico: Rafael Marquez

The Barcelona star is an irreplaceable figure in the heart of the Mexican defense. He organizes his team with his excellent leadership skills, and helps educate the younger players. Mexico will be relying on him against an Argentina side that has lots of quality up front. Marquez also has a scoring touch, and scored Mexico’s solitary goal against Argentina when the sides met in last year’s World Cup in Germany.

Argentina: Lionel Messi

Messi, also of Barcelona, will run at Marquez and the Mexican defense at will. He is a type of player that explodes in these types of matches, and is likely to be a constant threat. He may have been overshadowed by some of Argentina’s more experienced stars in the competition so far, namely Juan Roman Riquelme, but this time Messi will demonstrate why he is one of the best strikers on the planet. His pacey runs should be the key as Argentina look to reach the final against Brazil.