Argentina 2-0 Mexico
The scorers were different, but the results were the same for Argentina in the second game of their international friendly doubleheader against a hapless Mexico team.
Argentina beat the Mexicans last Saturday to the tune of two goals to nothing. Ramiro Funes Mori opened the scoring for the hosts at Cordoba before a late Isaac Brizuela own goal denied the visiting team any chance of a comeback.
Now, it’s another two-goal victory for the rising hosts, with the duo of Mauro Icardi and Dybala scoring this time to lead the charge.
Highlights of the game
Argentina—at least according to the International Friendly 2018 odds at SBOBET—were expected to win against Mexico, though El tri were projected to put up some fight. After all, manager Ricardo “Tuca” Ferretti and his squad should have learned something from their first defeat.
However, that’s not the case as the Argentines remained the aggressors and ultimately won the contest in convincing fashion. Icardi scored less than 90 seconds into the game before Dybala settled home nerves with a late, late second goal.
Mexico’s defence has been a problem since the World Cup, having already conceded 10 goals in their past five friendlies. And that issue was made more evident as Argentina simply destroyed them despite their defensive efforts.
Icardi, who was left out of the team’s World Cup 2018 squad, displayed a fine solo effort to get things going for the hosts. With just one minute and 19 seconds gone, the 25-year-old forward had a great one-two involving Erik Lamela before beating two Mexican defenders to fire the ball past keeper Jose Corona.
Mexico dominated possession but chances were scarce as they struggle to get past the improving Argentine defence. Victor Guzman had a great opportunity to level matters in the opening frame, but his free-kick sailed high over the crossbar.
The two teams had a slew of changes in the second half, with Ferretti making four quick substitutions right at the restart. Nonetheless, that didn’t change anything as Mexico failed to find enough opening to mount a significant attack.
Jesus Gallardo, perhaps, came closest to scoring for El Tri with a point-blank header in the 69th minute. However, substitute Argentina keeper Paulo Gazzaniga made a good save and tipped the ball away.
It was all over for Mexico on 87 minutes when Dybala found the right corner. Giovanni Simeone, off the counter-attack, sprinted down the left wing and played the ball through Dybala who made no mistake from 10 yards.
Key statistics
Interestingly and surprisingly, Icardi and Dybala’s goals were their first for Argentina. Icardi has made only eight appearances so far, including the game, so his goal was certainly a welcome boost of confidence.
Meanwhile, Dybala struck for the national team for the first time in 18 international matches.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised his two strikers for the achievement and even said that they are now “unlocked” just in time as the country begins life without Lionel Messi.
“We have to be happy because two players as important as Icardi and Dybala were unlocked,” Scaloni said via Goal.com. “They will give the fans a lot of joy.”
With the win, Scaloni’s record with Argentina is now four wins, one draw and one defeat—coming against a full-strength Brazil squad. Remarkably, La Albiceleste didn’t concede in all of their wins and draws.
Meanwhile, for Mexico, that ends the stint of interim manager Ferretti. The defeat takes him to one win and five defeats in six matches as El Tri boss.
Sure enough, Ferretti’s time with the national team is all about development as the team prepares for the Gerardo Martino takeover, but the way he set up his squad in this second game against Argentina was disappointing.
Mexico took control of possession (57 percent) and even recorded an 87 percent passing accuracy, but they were pretty wasteful and lacked energy on the attack. Although they had nine shot attempts, only two were on target.
What’s next?
With Argentina’s international friendly 2018 results, Scaloni is undoubtedly the frontrunner to take the head coaching duties on a permanent basis.
Argentina are currently gearing up for the Copa America 2019, which takes place in June at Brazil. The draw for the tournament is scheduled this January 2019.
For Mexico, they have the 2019 Gold Cup up next—a CONCACAF competition to be hosted by the United States. El Tri are already qualified to the group stage in June, so Martino will have plenty of time to prepare his team.
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