Argentina Try to Reclaim Favorite Role Against Mexico

Mexico knew they were likely to beat Iran and Angola to advance to the round of 16 behind Portugal but would have a difficult time in the knock-out stage and have nothing to lose against Argentina.

Mexico's coach talked up their chances against Argentina after booking a second-round meeting with the new World Cup favorites.

Mexico coach Ricardo Lavolpe said a different Mexico would take the field on Saturday in Leipzig than the one that scrambled into the second round after defeat by Portugal.

"They're going to be much more at ease and that will help them to score goals," he said. "We start with a clean sheet, it's 0-0 with no advantage to either side, and we play for 90 minutes."

Scoring Mexico's main problem

Lavolpe's biggest worry will be the profligacy of his strikers. He admitted his disbelief after Omar Bravo, a two-goal hero against Iran, wasted a series of good chances, but the return of the country's leading scorer Jared Borgetti could bring new life into the offense.

"Our main problem is scoring -- we even had a penalty which we missed," Lavolpe said. "We've got the forwards, we put the opposition goal under pressure but we need to persist and see if we can get more positive results."

Favored to beat Mexico, Argentina also need a positive result to continue winning over after booking a 8-1 goal difference. Their stellar 6-0 drubbing of Serbia and Montenegro and disappointing scoreless draw against the Netherlands in the group phase have raised some questions about Argentina's chances against Mexico.

Teams have 50-50 chance

"Mexico are always able to score goals," Argentina coach Jose Pekerman said. "They are technically skilled and highly competitive team. No team can ever believe that Mexico is not a strong rival."

Argentina defender Roberto Ayala said he'd put even odds on the game.

"Mexico have the same chances as us," he said. "They have made matters difficult for us the previous times they have played Argentina. We'll try to prevent them from being comfortable on the ball and when we attack attempt the variety of options we have showed up to now."

Mexico have twice been quarter-finalists, but on both occasions, in 1970 and 1986, it was on home ground. The winner of the match play either hosts Germany or Sweden in the quarter-finals.