World Cup Group A preview: Mexico vs Uruguay
If you’re a betting man the only possible bet you can make on this game is to back the draw. That’s all that’s required for both teams to make the knockout stages of the World Cup.
And why wouldn’t they play for a draw? Making it through to the next round is what your goal is at the start of the group stage, whether it be in first or second place. With the French team in disarray and the host nation South Africa not being exactly what you call world beaters, both Mexico and Uruguay have seized the opportunity to progress in the tournament.
Uruguay convincingly dispatched South Africa 3-0 in their second game, while Mexico beat a disjointed French team 2-0. That victory came at a cost however, with Arsenal forward Carlos Vela going down with a hamstring injury in the first half. Vela will definitely miss the final game and could miss the rest of the tournament.
Though a draw is good enough for both teams neither side is looking to play for it with Uruguay defender Diego Godin saying his side are looking for a confident performance.
“We are calm and with less euphoria than in previous days. Our only thoughts are on Mexico and how to control possession, create goal scoring opportunities and finish them off,” Godin said.
Uruguay will also be helped by the news that Mexico will be without Efrain Juarez who misses out due to suspension. While Efrain misses out Uruguay will welcome back Nicolas Lodeiro who served a one-match suspension following his sending off against France.
Oscar Tabarez has a full squad to choose from but could field a weakened team given the need for just a draw. However, Diego Forlan is expected to play up front alongside Ajax striker Luis Suarez.
Finishing first avoids the possibility of playing Argentina in the next round and if that doesn’t motivate these sides then nothing will, but still don’t expect a classic.
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