Argentina ready to bounce back after ‘big blow’ from Saudi defeat

Macdara Ferris reports from Qatar

Could the unthinkable happen? Could Argentina lose today and exit the World Cup in the group stages with a game still to go? Might Lionel Messi not crown his career in World Cup glory as so many hoped if not expected.

It is not something that the South American champions are contemplating as they play Mexico on Saturday evening when they return to the Lusail Stadium the scene of their shock 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in their competition opener.

It was a packed press conference room on the eve of the game when Inter striker Lautaro Martinez and Head Coach Lionel Scaloni spoke to the media. Asked about the significance of the fixture, Scaloni said: “What is at stake? It is a football game but we know there is a whole country supporting us.” 

The defeat against the Saudis ended a run of 36 games without a defeat (just one short of Italy’s all-time record) and it was the first time in 32 years that Argentina had lost their opening match at the World Cup. 

Big blow

“Emotionally it was a big blow,” admitted Scaloni about the defeat. “We might receive the blow like the opening match but we know we need to stick to our guns. Mexico is an excellent team. They have a clear game style with an offensive but we have a style that in non-negotiable.”

Argentina had opened the scoring against the Saudis through a Lionel Messi first half penalty as he became the fifth player to score at four FIFA World Cups. The player is set today to equal Diego Maradona’s Argentinian record of 21 matches played at the World Cup. 

Scaloni was speaking on the two year anniversary of Maradona’s death and the 44-year-old manager said: “For us it is a very sad day. On Saturday we will hope to bring some joy to Maradona if he is looking at us from above. Every time we see images of him it is unbelievable that he is not here.”

Anxious

Reflecting on the defeat Lautaro Martinez said that while there were nerves ahead of their opening game, he didn’t think it played a factor.

“This was for many of us our first match in the World Cup,” said Martinez. “There were many emotions - we were anxious and excited but when you hear the whistle then everything like that is put behind you. Now we need to think positively and keep calm as Mexico are a tough opponent. 

The 25-year-old striker said: “It was a hard blow (to lose to Saudi) as we were really excited because of our good (undefeated) streak. We lost because of mistakes but that is behind us. 

“We are only thinking of what is ahead of us which is Mexico. We haven’t talked about elimination. There is no pressure as we have trust in every player and we are keeping calm. 

“We will break our back for Argentina and our fans. The support of our fans is very special. They identify with what we do. We will go out on the pitch and representing this country as this deserves.”

Mexico

The two teams have faced each other three times in previous World Cups with Mexico losing all three times including most recently in the last 16 in 2010.

The Central American side began their campaign by playing out a scoreless draw with Poland with Guillermo Ochoa, who is playing in his fifth World Cup, saving a Robert Lewandowski penalty. 

World Cup postcard from Qatar’s cultural highlights https://t.co/R07YiSDev2pic.twitter.com/0P5Y0PWDDY

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