The Mexico Under-20 National Team faces Guatemala with a forced loss in goal and the possibility of making more changes to its lineup, after ensuring its classification to the quarterfinals of the Concacaf World Cup.
The only confirmed absence for the closing of the group stage is that of goalkeeper Sebastián Liceagawho was sent off during the victory against Costa Rica after a strong challenge on forward Gabriel Sibaja.
The direct red card leaves him suspended for the match this Thursday, July 30, against Guatemala, so coach Álex Diego will have to make at least one mandatory change to his starting eleven.
Cristo Navarrete appears as the main candidate to replace Liceaga, although the Mexican coaching staff has not yet confirmed the lineup for the commitment.
The rotations analyzed by Mexico
In addition to the forced change in the goal, different Mexican media indicate that the coaching staff is analyzing making other modifications after securing a ticket to the quarterfinals.
According to these reports, the objective would be to manage the physical loads of some soccer players and avoid risks before the start of the direct elimination phase, although so far the Mexican Soccer Federation has not confirmed that these rotations will take place.
The outlook for the closure of Group B
If Mexico confirms variants in its lineup, Guatemala would face a team with changes compared to previous matches. However, the Mexican team has already secured its classification and has a squad with enough depth to compete with relief players.
Mexico and Guatemala will close the group stage this Thursday at 6:00 p.m. While the Mexican team has already secured its place in the quarterfinals, the Bicolor will look for a result that will allow it to improve its position in Group B and maintain its qualification options, in accordance with the tiebreaker criteria established by the tournament regulations.
Box
Mexico, pending confirmation of its alignment
Confirmed withdrawal
- Sebastián Liceaga (suspended due to expulsion)
Main candidate to replace him
Possible changes
- The Mexican press anticipates that Álex Diego is analyzing rotations, although the official lineup has not yet been announced.