2010 FIFA World Cup Betting Tips, Picks and Odds: Mexico's nervous but not weary of semifinal clash vs Argentina

The image “http://www.sportsbettingindex.net/images/sports_02/headball.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors. After raising some eyebrows due to their stunning 1-0 win over world champions Brazil to top its group, Mexico is feeling a bit nervous of the task ahead and the prize that awaits the country if they beat World Cup qualifiers Argentina on Sunday's FIFA Confederations Cup semifinal.

Mexico topped its group with seven points, the highlight for the Tricolores being the 1-0 victory over Brazil. The Mexicans have been a sort of mini-surprise as they have performed well despite entering the tournament in a cloud of controversy as some members of the national team had initially preferred to stay home and play in the Copa Libertadores.

Argentina finished second in the group and should be quite satisfied with their first round performance. Jose Pekerman may even have some potential headaches in selecting a World Cup side if some of his fringe players continue to perform so well. One of these is Luciano Figueroa who staked his claim to a place in the 2006 World Cup squad by scoring a hat-trick against Australia. The play of Juan Roman Riquelme has been one of the tournament highlights, evidence of the playmaker’s rebirth since he began playing for Villareal last season.

Mexico face Argentina in the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup after a 0-0 draw against Greece in their final Group B match. Mexico won the competition in their homeland back in 1999 and if they can continue their unbeaten run for two more games the trophy will be theirs again.

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The scoreless draw, the first of the tournament so far, helps Mexico stretch their unbeaten run to 21 games and Ricardo Lavolpe's team progress into the last four as group winners ahead of Brazil, who face Germany in the last four after drawing 2-2 with Japan.

Mexico must put handcuff new Argentine sensation Juan Roman Riquelme who is now transfomed as a playmaker integral to Argentina's aspirations for major honours. The Villarreal midfielder's class shone through again in Nuremberg, just when his side needed it.

But that is not all. Roman, as he is known in the squad, has achieved something that will be very difficult to match: he has scored in every game in the tournament. He got one against Tunisia, another against Australia and also scored tonight against Germany. No doubt he'll be trying to extend his run in the semi-final. Argentina, and his own future, could depend on it.