The Mexican team will debut this Thursday against South Africa in the opening match of the World Cup, in a key duel for both teamsbut especially for the host team, forced to offer a convincing performance in front of their fans at the Azteca Stadium.
The team led by Javier “Vasco” Aguirre arrives with optimism, despite the difficulties it faced in the previous months, when it suffered numerous losses due to injury. However, the majority of the players have recovered and those absent will be replaced by players of good level, which keeps the expectations of the national team intact.
Mexico, located in 14th place in the ranking of the FIFA aims to debut with a victory. Their rival, South Africa, is in 60th position and was eliminated in the round of 16 of the last African Cup. and has few footballers in international leagues, although it is still a team capable of complicating things.
Aguirre avoids overconfidence and recognizes a recurring weakness of the “Tri”: it tends to grow against high-level teams, but decreases its intensity against lower-ranked rivals. Therefore, he will look for his team to maintain concentration from the beginning.
Possible Mexican approach
Mexico will bet on a defensive line of four players, with Johan Vásquez and César Montes as center backs, accompanied by Jesús Gallardo on the left and Israel Reyes or Jorge Sánchez on the right.
In midfield, the partial absence of Édson Álvarez – who is recovering from ankle surgery – opens up space for Erik Lira, who will be key along with talented players such as Álvaro Fidalgo.
In attack, the team will have a promising duo: Julián Quiñones, leading scorer in Saudi Arabia, and Raúl Jiménez, forward of English Fulham, who will seek to make a difference from the beginning.
South Africa, an orderly and dangerous rival
South Africa arrives with a clear approach under the direction of coach Hugo Broos: defensive order and taking advantage of the counterattack. Their attack will be led by Lyle Foster, forward of English Burnley.
The African team has a positive record against Mexico: they tied 1-1 in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup and were the last African team to defeat “Tri” in 2005.
In addition, he carried out his preparation in Pachuca, at more than 2,400 meters above sea level, which will allow him to better adapt to the conditions of the Azteca Stadium, located at 2,240 meters above sea level.
A decisive start in the group
The match will not only mark the start of the tournament, but could also be decisive in the group, where Mexico and South Africa will share a sector with South Korea and the Czech Republic, two solid teams that also aspire to advance to the round of 16.
Probable lineups
Mexico: Raúl Rangel; Jesús Gallardo, Johan Vásquez, César Montes, Israel Reyes; Erik Lira, Brian Gutiérrez, Álvaro Fidalgo; Roberto Alvarado, Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez. DT: Javier Aguirre.
South Africa: Ronwen Williams; Khuliso Mudau, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokasi, Aubrey Modiba; Teboho Mokoena, Sphepelo Sithole, Oswin Appollis, Themba Zwane, Relebohile Mokofeng; Lyle Foster. DT: Hugo Broos.