Argentina is alive and well in this world cup! Goals from Lionel Messi (64th) and Enzo Fernandez (87th) in the second stage saw Argentina beat Mexico. The South Americans now have their fate in their hands before they face Poland on Wednesday. For Mexico, a win against Saudi Arabia is a must to qualify for the eighth tournament.
The first half was very close between the two teams. There were more fouls than chances in this first act, with the referee handing out yellow cards to both sides. The most dangerous occasion came just before the return to the locker room: Vega rushed to score a free kick, but Emi Martinez made a brilliant save as he took the ball directly into the top corner.
At the start of the second period, Lionel Messi, for his part, was not having a good day if the Argentines were back on the turf with better intentions. As his poor passes multiplied, his free-kick went wide of Ochoa’s goal. But Messi is most dangerous when you don’t see him! While he was invisible in this encounter, the brilliant Argentine deceived Ochoa with a beautiful shot on the ground (1-0, 64th).
The goal earned Argentina a wake-up call as they continued their momentum. Messi again warned Ochoa who pushed the ball. And in the 87th minute, Enzo Fernandez’s brilliant strike following Lionel Messi’s pass gave Argentina the win.
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