Spain gears up for Mexico Clash
Newly crowned World Champions Spain is raring to go as they aim to topple Central Americans Mexico in a friendly match. Set to take place in Mexico to commemorate 200 years of Mexican independence.
The former rulers of the region are set to extend their authority on the football pitch. They will aim to build on the historic triumph in the final of the World Cup played at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg on 11th July, 2010.
The reigning European and World champions have their best team available for the big clash which is set to be played in front of a packed crowd at the Aztec stadium on Wednesday.
Spain's Goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who captained the team to World cup success, claimed that the trip to Mexico was not mere vacation for his team.
“We did not come to fulfill a duty, we came to play an important game for Mexico and also for Spain. It's our first game after the World Cup and we know what level of efficiency will be demanded from us. We've come here to win, we did not come as tourists or visitors", asserted Casillas. Earlier, he attracted controversy at the World Cup after claiming that the ball used for the tournament, known as Jabulani, was like a rotten ball.
On the other hand the triumphant Spanish coach Vicente del Bosque, added that the Mexicans would be a real handful at home in front of a boisterous crowd.
"They (Mexico) are technically good. Sending many players abroad... I think of the thirteen I've seen, the thirteen on the list who took part in the World Cup... those who are playing abroad in great clubs is good for Mexican football and we'll face a difficult team for us".
Eyebrows have been raised by Bosque’s selection of a near full-strength side for the encounter. The veteran coach clarified that he was doing so because it was "part of our preparations for the coming competitions”.
The leading Spanish club Barcelona was fuming as its pre-season, preparations suffer before the opening Spanish Super Cup against Sevilla.
Some of their leading players head out to Mexico, while Lionel Messi the Argentine superstar is set to represent his country in a friendly against Ireland, which is being played in Dublin.
Del Bosque has included as many as seven Barcelona players and the only major absentee is Andres Iniesta, the goal scorer in the World cup decider against the Netherlands.
Meanwhile the man at the helm of Spain's football federation (RFEF) Angel Maria Villa, has emphasised that football clubs around the world ought to hire more home grown players.
“It’s a debate that exists and the FIFA congress has mentioned it. We'll see what happens for the good of national teams. Some believe the presidents of national football federations are only interested in the good of national teams but it's for the good of the clubs. It's more positive to have players formed in their countries".
The Mexicans are also pumped up for the big game and hope to bring smiles on the faces of their fans, by putting up a solid performance against the World Champions, as they aim to recover from their 3-l loss to Argentina in World Cup quarter-finals.
The Central Americans will be taking the field with their stand-in coach Enrique Meza. The national football federation is looking for a replacement for Javier Aguirre, who quit after the World Cup.
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