Mexico is minutes away from meeting Uruguay in Rustenburg South Africa at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium. If Mexico and Uruguay draw, both teams will make it out of their Group A standings and into the knockout round at the 2010 World Cup. However if either team wants to come out as group champion, which undoubtedly they do, both will be pushing hard for a victory over the other, which also ensures the victor of today’s match is not as likely to face football power house Argentina in the final 16.
Though tied at four points each, Uruguay has the inside advantage to come in first for Group A because of their plus +3 goal differential, Mexico only has +2. Even if Uruguay, La Celeste, does not beat Mexico, El Tri, if they can keep the score equal they will still come out on top. Depending on the outcomes of today’s matches, the Group B runner up could be Greece, South Korea or Nigeria.
Uruguay propelled itself forward after defeating South Africa 3-0 last Wednesday. If La Celeste makes it out of the group matches, it will be the first time they have done so since 1990. A lot will be resting on star forward Diego Forlan, who was responsible for two of Uruguay’s last goals, a 25-yard shot that came just under the crossbar and a penalty kick in the 80th minute.
“Obviously, as a forward I like to score goals” boasted Forlan, “but the important thing is to win”. Should they not be synonymous? Forlan is not worried about today’s match, “The team is good… We’re very solid”. Coach Oscar Tabarez has made few chances to his opening lineup, but will be bringing in Mauricio Vitorino to replace Diego Godin.
Mexico is also going into the match with a solid team. They are coming of a high after beating France 2-0 last Thursday, and are ready to meet Uruguay’s defensive goal-getting team. Javier Hernandez, one of Mexico’s forwards, is eager for a starting spot. He played well for Mexico scoring one of their points during the France match. Cuauhtemoc Blanco also scored for Mexico after coming off the bench. Both players are subs but after their performance on Thursday will definitely get some match time today.
Coach Javier Aguirre will be starting World Cup veteran forward Guillermo Franco, whose versatility allows him to move back to assist midfielders in obtaining possession. “Javier askes me to make sacrifices and help Torrado and Marquez to recover the ball” Franco said of his responsibility to help out his teammates and to follow the coaches orders. “My job is at times more defensive, to keep the ball”.
Mexico will be playing without forward Carlos Vela, who received a leg injury during the first half of the match against France. Efrain Juarez received two yellow cards in two matches and will be replaced by Paul Aguilar. Rafael Marguez has one goal and one assist under his belt for this year’s World Cup, and will be appearing in his 11th World Cup match today. Alongside Marguez is Mexico’s captain Blanco, who is also participating his 11th World Cup, and the 37 year old outfielder is the oldest player in the tournament. He will be starting, his first time this World Cup.
Mexico will come onto the pitch with an attacking force, hoping to avoid Argentina in the next round where as Uruguay, who will be satisfied with a tie, will be a defensive powerhouse today.
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