Mexico Makes It Through – Just

Mexican fans weren’t too happy about the way their team made it through to the round of 16 in the World Cup. The 1-0 loss to Uruguay in the third match of Group A leaves the Tricolor facing Argentina in Sunday’s second-round showdown.

For a few minutes, with South Africa up 2-0 against a disastrous French side and Mexico looking far from equaliizing, there were even thoughts of a possible elimination on goal difference.

So far Argentina has proved the strongest team in the tournament, winning Group B with three victories – seven goals for and only one against.

The tie-up is a repeat of the 2006 World Cup when the two teams also met just after the group stage.

Brazil could also turn in three wins if they’re able to beat Portugal in their final group match.

For Mexico, however, Argentina has usually proved a tougher opponent than the Brazilians. Mexico has managed to beat Brazil in major tournaments – including in the 2007 Copa America – but has had worse results against the Albicelestes. Argentina knocked Mexico out in the
2007 Copa America semifinals (Mexico went on to take third place after beating Uruguay), and also came back from a goal down in their 2006 World Cup match to win 2-1 after extra time.

Somehow, though, Tuesday’s dismay turned to optimism in a matter of hours and now there’s no reason to think Mexico couldn’t pick it up again and produce the upset of the tournament.

Se vale soñar, goes the local expression.