Milestones for both squads in transition ahead of World Cup Qualifiers, AT&T Stadium readies for incredible crowd
Seleccion Argentina faces Mexico today in what will be the final friendlies for both sides before the beginning of their World Cup qualifying games kicking off in October. The match will arguably be Mexico’s toughest challenge before facing the USA in the CONCACAF Confederations Cup next month. Argentina meanwhile, continues to improve upon their Copa America loss and iron out strategies.
Both organizations have been in transition with players out with injury, but more importantly new management. Head coaches for each were appointed in August, with Mexico appointing their interim coach, Ricardo Ferretti, only recently on August 20th.
Mexican National Team Coach Ricardo Ferretti hails from coaching the Tigres UANL where he has led the team to multiple titles. The Brazilian-Mexican national says despite having played one game as the team manager, the important thing is to adapt to things that are in place already.
“We are not afraid,” Ferretti said when asked about Mexico’s opponent. “Our players are already familiar with different strategies and plans. We look at two or three plays that are already in place. That is that our players have demonstrated that they can work them. We start with one and maybe change to another. Remember we have experienced, capable and talented players who are confident.”
Argentina meanwhile arrived in Dallas, having stomped Bolivia Friday night in Houston with a 7-0 finish, while Mexico drew 3-3 against Trinidad and Tobago. Argentina’s head coach, Gerardo “Tata” Martino, admitted he is cautious about starting Messi but hinted that other players that missed the match in Houston, could be available against Mexico.
“We understand what the meaning is of having Messi and how people expect him to play,” Martino said. “We just try to take the measurements to protect the player, to not exhaust him because it is in our interest to make sure he is well tomorrow, and that he is very well for the World Cup qualifiers.”
Neither coach revealed their starting 11 though both hinted that their top players would be available should they choose to use them. After Angel Correa’s debut on Friday for Argentina and first goal for the national team, he is likely to be on the field. Mexico will be looking to strengthen their defense should they have any hope of stopping the trio of Messi, Carlos Tevez, and Sergio Agüero from scoring.
“I consider Mexico, a highly ranked team,” Martino added. “Mexico is a team that in the last 20 years have evolved. They have very good players; most of the starting players play in European leagues. Mexico will be a very tough rival. It will be a rival that will force us to work hard. For us it is very important to leave this game with important conclusions.”
On the Mexican side, Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez sat on the bench Friday, but is expected to play against Argentina. The star player is eager to score a goal to end his long goal-less drought for the national team.
“The point here is that the team plays and demonstrates its abilities and qualities they posses,” Ferretti added. “The game is important because of the confidence you can gain by winning, but we’re really here to prepare to play the U.S.”
Mexico versus Seleccion Argentina will kick-off 9 pm Central Time and air on ESPN2 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
