Round of 16. Match 4: Argentina 3-1 Mexico

For me, this match was spoiled by one key wrong decision. On 26 minutes Argentina took the lead through Tevez who was clearly in an offside position. It wasn't the most obvious decision for the assistant referee due to the speed with which it all happened, but it was definitely one he should have got right. Up until that point Mexico had looked the most threatening of the two sides: Salcido had attempted his luck with a very good powerful shot from distance which forced Romero into a save, Guardado fired just wide after good build up play from Dos Santos and Hernandez also spurned a decent opportunity. However from the first goal on Argentina always appeared on course to win.

The Mexicans complained bitterly to the referee about the goal, surrounding him as he talked to the assistant referee. The Argentinians also came in to have their say and it appeared the match was at boiling point. I later found out that what was at issue was the goal had been given but then the replay of the goal was shown on the big screen. The Mexicans obviously saw it and were up in arms. The ref and his officials would have seen it too but couldn't change the decision otherwise they would be in hot water with FIFA for making a decision based on a video replay. A video replay wasn't even supposed to have been played but there had somehow been an oversight.

Due to the whole incident Mexico lost the plot and six minutes later they went 2-0 behind. This was due to some dreadful defending from Osorio who dallied/took his eye off the ball which Higuain took off him with devastating consequences. I believe this was a hangover from the earlier decision. Mexico had started to look a distinctly average side compared with the one that had started so brightly. It was clearly due to the nature of the first goal that the wind had been taken out of their sails and they couldn't cope.

The third goal in the second half was even more of a killer blow than the second. At least this one was a moment of beauty. Tevez seemed to be in a fairly innocuous position 25 yards from goal, but he unleashed one of the goals of the tournament, powering it into the top corner. It was harsh on Mexico who no way deserved to be 3 goals down.

Mexico did manage a consolation as Hernandez worked his magic, scoring a delightful goal. But the goal was academic to the result, and Argentina marched on to a quarter-final with Germany.

Preview of Round of 16. Match 4: Argentina v Mexico

It's the Albiceleste versus El Tri. It's the two time World Cup winners Argentina versus the two time quarter-finalists Mexico. It's South America versus North/Central America. It's also a repeat of the Round of 16 match in 2006.

Yes in 2006 Argentina (after winning Group C ahead of the Netherlands) faced Mexico (who finished 2nd in Group D behind Portugal) and the score was 1-1 after 90 minutes. Argentina won by virtue of a spectacular Maxi Rodriguez goal in extra-time but it had been a tightly fought quality game.

They also lost the 1993 Copa America final to Argentina 2-1 and a 2007 Copa America semi-final 3-0.

Argentina will be hoping to successfully navigate the second round so that they can exact revenge on Germany in the quarter-finals. Germany of course eliminated Argentina on penalties at the quarter-final of the last World Cup. Mexico will be hoping to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 1986.

Key players

Argentina

Messi: Messi is probably the best footballer in the world. He has perfect vision, innate football intelligence, super control, skill and awareness, creates opportunities for others and scores plenty of goals himself. He is a complete footballer and when on top of his game - nothing can stop him.

Mascherano: Mascherano is an important player because if there is one weakness in the Argentine team it is the defence. Not that the defence is bad but they do have the occasional blooper or nervy moment. Mascherano, as defensive midfielder, has the job of protecting the back four and does so admirably. He is also responsible for the link up play with the attacking midfielders at Argentina's disposal. He is very good at this also.

Tevez: A supremely talented striker, could Tevez be ready to fire?

Mexico

Marquez: Has the all important job of protecting the back four and in particular nullifying the threat of Messi. He thus has perhaps the most difficult job in world football. They are no strangers - they are team-mates and great friends for Barcelona. This friendship will of course be put on hold! Marquez is a highly experienced and quality player.

Dos Santos: Always threatening, Dos Santos creates opportunities for others and likes to have a shot himself.

Barrera: An under-rated midfielder Barrera has the potential to unlock defences.

Expectations: With both sides having the odd question mark over their defence this could be a very open game with plenty of goals. Argentina are far more clinical in attack. Mexico will create opportunities but they don't convert enough of them. This will have to change tonight. One hopes Hernandez might get a start this time but expect him instead off the bench. Maradona loves to play the fab four of Messi, Di Maria, Tevez and Higuain and expect this to continue. It's an irresistable combination and has worked for him so far.

Group A final set of games

Uruguay 1-0 Mexico

Some people had predicted a damp squib of a game as both sides only required a draw to guarantee progression to the second round of the World Cup. However with the 2nd placed team likely to play Argentina both would surely have decided that they wanted to avoid that. To do so Mexico (in 2nd on goal difference) would need to win but Uruguay would only need to draw.

At any rate it was an entertaining game with both sides having a number of chances, and no-one could possibly accuse them of doing a 1982 Germany Algeria (when a Germany 1-0 win would be enough to take them both through Germany scored in the first 10 minutes and the last 80 were a farce).

Suarez scored the only goal of the game with a simple header at the back post but there were a number of missed opportunities from both sides. Guardado smashed a thunderous long-range shot against the underside of the bar, Suarez uncharacteristically shot wide of the target when in a good position, Rodriguez somehow put a header wide when it seemed easier to score and Perez pulled off a magnificent save from a Lugano header - to describe the best few.

Both sides looked good going forward, Mexico a bit shaky at the back, and ultimately Uruguay perhaps deserved the one goal victory that was enough to take both sides into the second round.

South Africa 2-1 France

Both sides went into the game knowing they needed a big win (or a small win and relying on a big win in the game being played simultaneously). South Africa broke the deadlock after only 20 minues (against the run of play) - Khumalo heading home a Tshabalala corner that Lloris got nowhere near to. Their cause was aided further when Gourcuff was red carded for use of the elbow - it was a harsh decision as replays showed that whilst there was more than a hint of elbow there was no malicious intent. South Africa even managed a second before half-time. A comedy of errors in the French defence resulted in Mphela bundling the ball home.

The second half started with South Africa, tails up and in the ascendancy. Tshabalala released Mphela and in a one-on-one he lifted it above the goalkeeper but against the crossbar. A third goal would have left them requiring only a fourth, should the other game remain at 1-0. Lloris also made a couple of fantastic saves to keep France in it. Then it was France's turn to score against the run of play - Malouda finishing off a nice, simple and effective move by stroking the ball into the empty net. South Africa had a couple more big chances but they didn't manage to score again. Despite being the first hosts to be knocked out in the group stage, South Africa played with a huge amount of heart.

The match finished 2-1: the South Africans were happy to finally have a win at this World Cup and to miss out on the second round only on goal difference. The French went home with only 1 point and plenty of questions about the squad and manager. A couple of days before the game Anelka had been sent home for something he'd said and players had refused to train as a result, some had considered boycotting the match. In France they will feel the aftermath of the World Cup for a while as they try to pick up the pieces. The South African supporters will enjoy the rest of the tournament, despite the absence of the hosts.

Group A's second round of matches

Uruguay 3-0 South Africa

Uruguay outclassed South Africa, achieving a comfortable victory. They dominated proceedings and despite the fervent home support Forlan was able to score a long range effort (with the help of a Mokoena deflection) and powered home a penalty after Khune was adjudged to have brought Suarez down with a trailing left foot (and was sent off for his troubles). The third, headed in by Pereira, put the icing on the cake but it was little more than Uruguay deserved. Forlan was the most impressive throughout, and alongside a very dangerous Suarez they have a strikeforce to be feared. South Africa made too many mistakes both on defence and attack. 

Mexico 2-0 France

For the most part the game was a closely fought affair although France never looked like breaking the deadlock. The opening third saw an entertaining end-to-end encounter in which France found it difficult to create many clearcut chances, while Mexico's attacking trio, as well as the marauding Salcido came close on a number of occasions. As the match continued a pattern emerged of plenty of unrealised industry from the French and swift dangerous counter attacking from the Mexicans.

The breakthrough finally came when Marquez played a delightful long ball for Hernandez to collect, round Lloris and slide home. Hernandez was on in place of the injured Vela which to my mind was no bad thing. Whilst Vela showed talent and skill I still maintain he misses too many goals! With Mexico in the lead French attacks became even more inert and non-threatening. The win was sealed when 37 year old Blanco scored from the spot after Barrera was felled leaving France needing a minor miracle to qualify.

Group A opening games

My plan is not to provide a match report of each game but instead to provide a few comments/observations/talking points etc.

South Africa 1-1 Mexico

I found this quite an exciting open game as I expected. In the first 40 minutes Mexico were dominant but just couldn't score despite their many opportunities to do so. They had elected to start with Franco and Vela and not Hernandez which was a decision I disagreed with. They will probably continue with this starting lineup but I am just worried if they do that the pattern of Mexico being profligate in front of goal will continue. They seem to need a lot of chances in order to convert. The last 5 minutes of the first half saw a couple of excellent chances for South Africa with which they should have done better.

The opening goal of the tournament, in the second half, was a great way to get World Cup 2010 underway. It was a superb piledriver of a shot from Tshabalala of South Africa after the Mexican defence had been split open. South Africa had the better chances in the second half but Mexico got a deserved equaliser. Both defences looked vulnerable and Mexico gave South Africa far too many open spaces to work with. I wonder whether they should revert Marquez back into central defence rather than the holding midfield role.

The last ten minutes of the match was end-to-end stuff as neither team could fashion out a winner, which made for a good spectacle.

France 0-0 Uruguay.

This was a fascinating game. The big news before kick off was that the quality Uruguayan midfielder Gargano was not in the team and also that France were starting with Diaby ahead of Malouda. Henry, as expected, was on the bench.

The French did the most attacking and Uruguay were often sat in defence. Having said that, France fashioned limited clearcut opportunities and didn't really test out Muslera in the Uruguay goal. The best chance of the match fell to Uruguay, Forlan was unmarked about six yards out and stabbed the ball wide. Can't criticise Forlan too heavily though, he was Uruguay's best performer and the only one who looked dangerous. Suarez was very disappointing.

For France Diaby was my man of the match. He frequently glided past a number of challenges as if they weren't there, passed neatly and always looked threatening. (Ultimately then Domenech was vindicated for choosing Diaby ahead of Malouda although the word on the street is that Domenech and Malouda had a falling out).

I would like to know what happened in regard to the red card. I have no argument with Lodeiro's second yellow card - it was a clear yellow. But I don't know what he did to get his first yellow. It was the only yellow card of the game I had no idea what had happened for the player to receive one. Play was developing and it just flashed on the screen that Lodeiro had been given a yellow and I wondered at the time...why. I'm not saying he didn't deserve it, I just don't know. And I want to know.

Excellent backs to the wall stuff from Uruguay when they went down to ten men. I hope captain Lugano does not live to regret his silly yellow card for arguing with the ref (over what seemed like a soft free kick awarded to France in the dying seconds). He needs to be careful in the next game - he doesn't want to be suspended for their 3rd game against Mexico.

Group A preview

Group A is one of the most intriguing World Cup groups. It contains France, Mexico, South Africa and Uruguay. It is one of the few groups I can see any 2 of the 4 progressing from.

France

Strengths: France may no longer boast the so-called golden generation of Zidane, Trezeguet, Vieira, Lizarazu, Thuram and Desailly but make no bones about it - they have a quality squad of players. Evra and Gallas are very good defenders. Up front with Cisse, Govou, Gignac, Henry and Anelka there is talent all round. Midfield is their biggest strength featuring the exceptional Ribery. Toulalan is maturing into his defensive midfield role, Malouda is a classy player (quick, comfortable in possession and capable of providing a killer final ball) and Valbuena the newcomer is an exciting prospect. He is not expected to be in the starting line-up but he proved his worth scoring the winner in a recent friendly against Costa Rica. Not to mention Gourcoff, French Player of the Year.

Weaknesses: They are inexperienced and undecided in their goalkeeping department. Lloris and Mandanda played 6 games each in qualifying and they have both featured in friendlies. Both are only just into their double figures in terms of appearances for the national side. Expect Lloris of Lyon to start. Whilst France have talent up front none of them except Henry have been prolific in an international jersey. France will probably play with one main man up front. - this used to be Henry but he has been relegated to the bench with Anelka to step up. Anelka has never quite reproduced the form and brilliance for France that he has shown a number of times for his club teams. Gallas, the mainstay of the French defence, will go into the World Cup lacking in match practise and potentially not fully recovered from the injury which has blighted his season. France may miss the excellent Lassana Diarra who is missing the World Cup through illness. Whether or not one can read much into friendlies is debateable but they have drawn with Tunisia and lost to China, the kind of form a team doesn't want heading into a world cup.

Formation: France generally employed a 4-2-3-1 in qualifying which proved to be rather stale. They look to have abandoned this in favour of a 4-3-3 formation which could be conducive to flair. Anelka will lead the line with Ribery and Govou supporting him on the flanks. Toulalan should protect the defence, Malouda will provide a good link between the midfield and attack and Gourcoff will be the dead ball specialist.

Manager: Raymond Domenech - he has been regularly and justifiably criticised for how he has performed in his managerial role - also a potential weakness for the French side.

Qualification: France finished one point behind Serbia in their qualifying group and in truth it was a patchy campaign overall. They needed to overcome Ireland in the playoffs. France won the first leg 1-0 and 90 minutes of the second leg finished 1-0 to Ireland sending them to extra-time. In truth Ireland had battered France but had been unable to convert a crucial second goal. With the game heading towards penalties Henry conjured up an assist for one of the most controversial goals in history. Henry blatantly handled the ball twice with his left hand before tapping the ball with his right foot across the goal to Gallas who was on hand to stab it home. The referee did not spot the infringement, the goal stood, and the whole of Ireland have had to suck it up since then.

World Cup pedigree: This is France's 13th (out of 19) appearance at a world cup finals. They have won the World Cup on one occasion (1998), lost in the final once (2006) and finished 3rd twice (1958 and 1986). The two excellent world cups they had in 1998 and 2006 came either side of their biggest disappointment. In 2002 they exited at the group stage - finishing last in a group with Senegal, Denmark and Uruguay, without even scoring a goal.

Chance of progression from Group A: 75%, probably in 1st place.

Mexico

Strengths: Rafael Marquez is an exceptional and experienced central defender who has played many games for his club, one of the best in the world, Barcelona. He has excellent leadership skills and will be wanting to make an impression at what could be his last world cup. He is versatile as he can also play in the holding midfield role. Javier Hernandez is a very highly rated striker. He is only 22 years old but he has recently agreed to sign for Manchester United for an undisclosed fee (possibly in the region of 7-10 million pounds). He has scored 7 goals in 12 appearances for Mexico and averages just less than one in two for his club side in Mexico. Vela is agile and an attacking threat although his shooting is rather hit and miss. Giovani dos Santos is an exciting player. The squad has a nice mix of young talent and experience.

Weaknesses: Mexico will miss their biggest star Jared Borghetti, their all-time leading goalscorer. They are lacking in strikers who can convert their many chances, sometimes Vela gets in great positions with great service only to miss a great chance. Franco who plays furthest up the field is poor in comparison to players playing in similar positions for other teams. The highly capped Gerrardo Torrado in midfield is aging and not quite the player he was. The squad is a little too heavy with players based in the Mexican league which is not one of the strongest leagues in the world. Whilst they have a decent squad they only have 3 or 4 top quality players. Giovani dos Santos' angry outburst at the dropping of his brother Jonathan from the preliminary squad has the potential to destabilise.

Formation: Mexico are likely to play 3-4-3. In possession their 3 central defenders will spread wide at the back. As the attack moves up the pitch Marquez has freedom to push up leaving his other two centre-backs covering deep. They have players wide in all areas of the pitch as they look to stretch the play. In defence they have 5 men at the back as the 2 wing-backs drop into defence. Marquez can, if necessary, push further up in this situation to defend against any player 'playing in the hole'. It is a fluid formation which has the potential to create many goalscoring opportunities and it seems more dangerous than the 4-4-2 system he had inherited.

Manager: Javier Aguirre took over from Sven Goran Erikkson after the team under his tutelage had a poor start to their qualifying campaign. Without knowing much about him he appears to be doing a reasonable job.

Qualification: After a poor start Mexico ultimately qualified in second place behind the USA. For a fairly decent team like Mexico they are lucky to have an easier route to the finals than many due to their Geograpghy.

World Cup pedigree: After being disqualified from competing in qualification for the 1990 World Cup tournament for fielding over-age players in an under 20 tournament they have not only been in every tournament since, they have qualified for the 2nd round. They are bidding to be the first team to do so on five consecutive occasions. On each occasion they also fell at the 2nd round hurdle. Their best showing is reaching the quarter-finals in 1970 and 1986 (when it was held in Mexico).

Chance of progression from Group A: 60%, probably in 2nd place.

South Africa

Strengths: Being home nation is a huge strength. No home nation has failed to make the knock-out stages of the World Cup and the massive support and buzz from the home fans will inspire them to play at their highest level. They may also get a (subconscious) helping hand from the referees. In 2002 South Korea made the semi-finals in part due to some shocking decisions that went their way. Not necessarily saying it's a FIFA conspiracy but home advantage is important in many ways. Their best player is Steven Pienaar of Everton who is a quality midfield general. Other talented players include the attacking fullback Masilela of Maccabi Haifa and the skilful winger Modise of the Orlando Pirates. Striker Mphela has a good record of scoring goals for South Africa. They are also currently on a run of eleven matches unbeaten.

Weaknesses: Firstly, South Africa have very few players considered top quality by world standards. Indeed their players are a mixed bag whose names won't strike fear into the opposition. Many of their players play in the South African league and therefore lack in experience at playing top competition domestically. Benni McCarthy, South Africa's all-time leading goalscorer and the man who was expected to lead the line at the World Cup, has not been selected. It is easy to see why as he was deemed too large and unfit, backed up by him having had very little playing time for West Ham United. South Africa have not had as much international competition as the other nations by virtue of not having to qualify for the world cup. Thus some of the squad lack match practise.

Formation: I think South Africa will play with a traditional 4-4-2 formation.

Manager: Carlos Alberto Parreira is Brazilian born and has previously led 4 teams to 5 World Cups. He took Brazil to victory in 1994 and the quarter-final in 2006 and managed Kuwait, UAE and Saudi Arabia at the 1982, 1990 and 1998 tournaments respectively. He is an experienced manager being in the business for 43 years including 11 spells as an international manager. Will his experience help South Africa? That is the burning question.

Qualification: As hosts they are the only team who didn't need to qualify.

World Cup pedigree: South Africa did not attempt to enter the first 7 tournaments. They were banned for the next 7 due to apartheid. In the last 4 they did not manage to qualify in 1994 or 2006 but made it in 1998 and 2002. On both those occasions they didn't make it through the group stages. In 2002 they were very unlucky - missing out by the narrowest of margins. They finished on equal points (4) with Paraguay and both had a goal difference of zero. The difference was Paraguay had scored and conceded 5 whilst South Africa had scored and conceded 4 times. The most beautiful moment for me of course was when Lucas Radebe, possibly my favourite ever player - true gent and Leeds legend, powered in a header in their 3-2 loss to Spain.

Chance of progression from Group A: 45%, probably miss out.

Uruguay

Strengths: Uruguay have a talented forward line. Forlan has been on great form for Athletico Madrid (for whom he averages more than a goal every two games), Suarez scores for fun for Ajax and Abreu is also prolific, currently 1 goal behind Scarone's all-time record for Uruguay. A superb front line, they will be hoping for good service! They have two good holding midfielders which gives them solidity, Gargano is particularly highly rated in this regard.

Weaknesses: A lack of creativity in midfield. They have picked 3 inexperienced keepers to take to the World Cup and who will start in the first game does not appear to have been resolved. They are an inconsistent team who are capable of victories against quality opposition and stumbling against weaker teams. In terms of general quality in their squad they do not match up to a number of teams at the World Cup.

Formation: Uruguay have experimented in qualification with 4-4-2, 4-3-3 and latterly 3-5-2. They are likely to line up 3-5-2 at the World Cup which would not be common. If they do it will be interesting to see how effective it is against 4-4-2.

Manager: Oscar Tabarez. An experienced manager who was also at the helm for the 1990 World Cup.

Qualification: Uruguay finished 5th in South America and were forced to playoff against 4th in Central America - Costa Rica. They won 1-0 in the first leg and drew 1-1 in the second.

World Cup pedigree: Uruguay have a very mixed World Cup pedigree. They won the tournament in 1930 and 1950 but did not enter in the two in between (1934 to protest against the European teams who boycotted in 1930 and 1938 to protest against the World Cup being held in France when it was supposed to alternate between South America and Europe). 1950's victory in the final against Brazil was one of the World Cup's biggest shocks. Since 1950 they have finished 4th twice (1954 and 1970), knocked out in the quarters once (1966), knocked out in the second round twice (1986 and 1990), knocked out in the first round three times (1962, 1974 and 2002) and failed to qualify six times (1958, 1978, 1982, 1994, 1998 and 2006).

Chance of progression from Group A: 55%, could miss out at a whisker.

Player Profile Number 1: Rafael Marquez

I am going to profile one player from each group who I believe will make a big impact on that group or indeed on the World Cup in general. I am not going to choose the likes of Messi, Rooney, Ronaldo etc - they will be someone who is perhaps less celebrated worldwide but crucial nevertheless.

My player for Group A is Rafael Marquez of Mexico.

To me it feels like Marquez has been around forever, yet he is only 31. I watched him closely at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups and I have watched him play a number of times for Barcelona who he joined from Monaco in 2003 for 5 million euros (what a bargain!). He is my favourite Mexican player, a team for whom I have a soft spot that I cannot explain.

Marquez is generally a centre-back. I say generally because whilst that is his best and usual position he offers a versatility that means he has also filled in quite successfully at right-back and defensive midfield. At centre-back he reads the game so well and is calm, composed and self-assured on the tackle and distributes the ball intelligently. He has an excellent cross-field ball and is strong in the air.

He is also Mexican captain and has been for many years. He is a true leader that leads by example and he marshalls his troops very well. He has made a total of 327 appearances in the league for Atlas, Monaco and Barcelona, 57 in European competitions and has 88 international caps.

Despite being a defender Marquez has contributed important goals for whoever he has played. He is more prolific at international level for whom he has ten. Don't be surprised if he adds another during the World Cup.

Marquez is mature, utterly dependable and an all round excellent player who is even capable of the spectacular. One doesn't become a mainstay for a mesmerising team like Barcelona without being a quality player. A brilliant centre-half and a consummate professional. Good luck for the World Cup Rafa.