FIFA FOOTBALL WORLD CUP 2010 Group A - Uruguay vs. Mexico for table top clash.
The group stages of the 19th FIFA World Cup are finally drawing to a close, with almost all teams hoping to make it into the next round. Starting with Group A, both Uruguay and Mexico have four points each and a draw between the two would see the hosts and the French crash out of the World Cup. A win for either, however, can pave the way for either of the bottom two teams to challenge for the second spot. Since both the matches would be broadcasted at the same time, every fan of each of the four nations will be praying for their team to win, while keeping a close check on the proceedings of the other match as well.
A lot is on the line in this top-of-the-table clash. A win for either of these teams will mean that they would top the group and more importantly, avoid the in-form Argentina. Argentina is expected to top Group B, having won both their group games. As a result, they will meet the second ranked team from Group A. Each of these teams would therefore look to avoid their South American counterparts in the next round.
Uruguay’s World Cup campaign 2010 was impressive. In their opening match of the World Cup, they played the French, and were content with a well fought draw. In their next match however, two strikes from the in-form Diego Forlan sent hosts South Africa crashing down as Uruguay won 3-0 on the night. Uruguay would therefore hope to repeat the performance they showed against the ‘Bafana Bafana’ if they are to beat Mexico.
Mexico, however, had inverse results against the two oppositions. Having to settle with a draw in their opening match against the host nation, the Mexicans dismantled the 1998 World Cup winners in a comprehensive 2-0 victory. Mexicans would also want to avoid Maradona’s men in the next round, therefore are expected to bring their A game against Uruguay.
Diego Forlan has had an impressive run in Athletico Madrid after scoring the winning goal in the inaugural Europa Cup, sinking Fulham’s fairy tale run. He looks in the prime of his career, and therefore would prove a threat to the Mexican goal. However, Catalans defender Marquez may have different plans for him. Having pitted against Forlan on numerous occasions in La Liga, Marquez would be fully aware of the Uruguayans technique and ability. Forlan was named man of the match for his two strikes against ‘Bafana Bafana’ while Marquez fared well in defence, creating chances for his team mates, and also scored the first goal of the tournament. Luis Saurez, have bagged an impressive 35 goals from 33 appearances in his season at Ajax. He would look to unleash his amazing goal scoring form at the Mexicans, after failing to impress in the opening two bouts against the hosts and the French.
Mexican striker Javier Hernandez is eager to score more goals for his nation. The young starlet has already caught the eye of Sir Alex Ferguson as he signed this future superstar to Manchester United. He has lived up to the hype, scoring the opening goal against France, where he showed exceptional ability with an amazing run, clean dribbles and a quick finish. He would therefore be looking to enhance his goal scoring ability for his country. Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Mexico forward is looking forward to this exiting contest. He stated, “Mexico won’t play for a draw. I love winning and so do my team-mates because that’s our mentality. I’m not really interested in whether Uruguay, France or South Africa qualifies. I want to win this game, no two ways about it”.
When these two South American teams meet in their final match of Group A, both teams are expected to fight and win this important clash. Winner of this group would either meet Nigeria, Greece or South Korea, whereas the second team is all set to meet Argentina. Meeting Argentina, given the form of Maradona’s men at the moment, would reduce the team’s chances to qualify to the next round. Mexico would look to utilize their pace and attacking style to disrupt the solid Uruguayan defence, while both Forlan and Suarez would look to deplete the Mexican defence with their amazing goal scoring.
It is expected to be a very fine display of the truly artistic and creative South American football for which it is famous for. Uruguay with their all-action approach and Mexico with their timely runs and passing ability would be hoping to top the table and in turn strengthen their chances to qualify beyond the Round of 16. Uruguay seems to be the favourites to win the bout, given the experience and charisma their players enjoy.
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