Argentina vs. Mexico - before (11 Jul 2007 02:10 GMT)
The clash Argentina-Mexico for the semifinals of the Copa America-2007, this Thursday, at the Cachamay Stadium, in Puerto Ordaz, will be the encounter of opposites. The Argentineans count more on the individual talent of their players, whilst the Mexicans count on their collectiveness.
The Mexican squad, coached by Hugo Sánchez, is determined to avenge the elimination in the World Cup Finals, in Germany, during the quarterfinals, when they were beaten by their bitter rivals 2-1. Moreover, the Mexicans also lost the title of Copa Amrrica in Equador-1993 to the Argentineans, also by 2-1.
Argentina and Mexico will put on a spectacle of exceptional quality, since one side will field skilful players, the likes of midfielder Juan Román Riquelme and striker Lionel Messi, and the other, the striking power of Nery Castillo, Juan Carlos Cacho and Omar Bravo.
There will also be other interesting duels. Will the Mexican defensive line, led by Rafael Márquez, be sufficiently strong to stop Messi and Carlos Tevez? Can Roberto Ayala, Gabriel Milito or Gabriel Heinze hold back Castillo, Bravo ou Cacho?
Both squads reached the semifinals after thrashing their opponents. The Argentineans began their campaign defeating the United States (4-1), Colombia (4-2), in Group C of the first phase, before demolishing Peru 4-nil, in the quarterfinals.
The Mexican campaign was also fine. In the first phase of the continental tournament, they beat Brazil 2-nil, in stylish fashion, and Ecuador 2-1, before drawing 1-all with Chile. In the quarterfinals, they made short work of Paraguay with a 6-0 mauling, the largest goal difference in the competition so far.
The Mexican team have reached the finals of the Copa America twice, since it began to be held. In their first participation, in 1993, and in 2001, in Colombia.
"We have fulfilled our objective. But we can win the final. It would be fantastic,? said Sanchez.
"Mexico have a good team. It will be a tough match for both of us. But we have extraordinary players. I?m proud of them, and not just because they?ve been winning, but due to the way they?re playing,? stated the Argentinean manager, Alfio 'Coco' Basile.
It will be a clash of very different styles, one based on individual quality and inspiration of the players, and the other based on the tactical formation.
Probable lineups:
Argentina: Roberto Abbondanzieri - Javier Zanetti, Roberto Ayala, Gabriel Milito, Gabriel Heinze - Juan Verón, Javier Mascherano, Esteban Cambiasso - Juan Román Riquelme - Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez. C: Alfio Basile.
Mexico: Oswaldo Sánchez - Israel Castro, Rafael Márquez, Jonny Magallón, Fausto Pinto - Fernando Arce, Gerardo Torrado, Jaime Correa, Andrés Guardado - Juan Carlos Cacho and Nery Castillo ou Omar Bravo. C: Hugo Sánchez.
source : copaamerica.com