Soccer: World Cup

Recent history offers Tricolors hope against two-time Cup champs

10:41 PM CDT on Friday, June 23, 2006

By GABRIEL CABARROUY / Al Día

LEIPZIG, Germany – For some time, the thought that Mexico could beat Argentina was inconceivable. Now, the Tricolors will put it all on the table against the two-time champions in the World Cup's second round.

For years, Argentina owned Mexico. But recent history suggests there's a chance the Mexicans might offer a surprise today.

"I don't believe Argentina is happy to play against us," forward Francisco "Kikín" Fonseca said. "The latest matches have been magnificent. We have played them quite well."

In 23 matches against the South Americans, Mexico has won four, lost eight and tied 11. But the gap has narrowed.

In 2004, Mexico claimed a 1-0 first-round Copa America victory over its group rival. And at last year's Confederations Cup, the teams dueled to a 1-1 draw before Argentina took a penalty kick shootout.

It was then the Mexicans served notice that they were no longer an Argentine punching bag.

"It's another rival we can defeat," said forward Jared Borgetti, who has missed Mexico's last two games with a hamstring injury but says he's ready to go. "Just like we are worried about them, they will be worried about us."

Argentina cruised to the top of Group C, the so-called Group of Death. It beat Serbia-Montenegro, 6-0, in its second game.

But Mexico players have placed their faith in an Argentine – their manager, Ricardo La Volpe, a reserve goalkeeper with Argentina's 1978 world champions.

"My players and I know how important this match is, not just because it's Argentina," La Volpe said. "It's the match itself that's important, because of what we have been through. It's been a stormy process."

Mexico has moved the ball well in the first two-thirds of the field but has generated little offense since an opening 3-1 win over Iran. The return of Borgetti is timely.

"I'm ready whenever the coach needs me," said Borgetti, Mexico top all-time scorer with 38 goals, but none in this tournament.

Mexico will be without defender Luis Perez, who was ejected in the final first-round game, a 2-1 loss to Portugal.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

E-mail gcabarrouy@aldiatx.com

Mexico vs. Argentina, Leipzig, 2 p.m. Saturday, (ESPN; Ch. 23, KZMP-FM 104.9 in Spanish).