Mexico has chance to test more of roster in group stage finale
GUADALAJARA, Mexico. — The Mexican national team, which took first place in Group A with two wins in two matches, is playing the last group stage match against the Czech Republic on Wednesday at 18.00 on Fox and Telemundo without pressure and is preparing to play with some of its reserves.
The situation is quite different in Czech Republic, which lost 2-1 to South Korea and drew 1-1 with South Africa. The European team needs a win against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City to advance to the next round – either as group runners-up or as one of the best third-place finishers.
“The Czechs are incredibly tough; they’re a very physically demanding team,” Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said. “We watched them in two games against their group opponents and it will not be easy.”
Aguirre will need to strategize with an eye toward what lies ahead in the next round (single-elimination format). Mexican American midfielder Brian Gutiérrez enters this final group stage match with an accumulated yellow card, so Aguirre will likely not play him in the round of 32 to avoid the risk of suspension. FIFA rules clear all cards after the group stage ends.
This match could mark the return of César Montes, who received a red card against South Africa and missed the match against South Korea. Goalkeeper Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa might consider some playing time in his sixth World Cup as a sort of tribute to his career, but Raúl Rangel had an outstanding performance against South Korea, so it remains to be seen whether Ochoa will get playing time.
“Obviously it would be something extraordinary; it would be really great for Memo. He is a legend in Mexico and the national team. He has always been a player who is ready to give everything for the national team,” said Mexican forward Alexis Vega. “I guess finally [Aguirre] will make the decision. I believe that all 26 people here will do our best if given the opportunity. “Whoever gets the chance will do his best.”
Erik Lira, Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo and Roberto Alvarado were the Mexican players who covered the most yards for the national team in both matches, making them candidates for rest. Gallardo has a strong alternative in young AZ Alkmaar player Mateo Chávez.
Mexican Edson Álvarez clears the ball away from the goal during the first half of the World Cup match against South Korea.
(Ricardo Mazalan / Ap Photo/ricardo Mazalan)
Edson Álvarez is likely to start again after a strong performance against South Korea.
Another player who could see action is AC Milan forward Santi Giménez, who is recovering from injury and played just 10 minutes against South Korea. Mexico’s youngest World Cup player, Gilberto Mora, at 17, could start the match.
“We must evaluate the other game carefully” [Czechia] like the finale. we know [Czechia] We need this win, but we are also preparing ourselves. Getting used to winning goes a long way,” Giménez said in an interview Wednesday on TV Azteca.
Mexico does not yet know its best third-place opponent in the next round. The opponent will not be determined until the eight best third teams advancing to the 32nd round are determined.
On the Czech side, coach Miroslav Koubek prefers a disciplined and physical approach; Patrik Schick and Adam Hložek lead the counter-attack, which will try to capitalize on any mistakes by Mexico.
Michal Sadilek, midfielder of the Czech team, said: “We know that Mexico is one of the best teams in our group and it will be difficult for us at home. But we believe that we can get a good result and finish the group stage on a high note.”
The fact that the Czech Republic need a win to progress indicates that the team will attack more aggressively; This will be dangerous for the Mexican defense but will also give the home team more space to capitalize on the counter-attack. The Czech Republic has shown this World Cup that they are particularly dangerous from set pieces.
The other teams in Group A, South Korea and South Africa, will face each other in Monterrey on Thursday at 18:00, the same time as the Mexico-Czechia match. With three points, the South Koreans look to secure second place and the round of 32 at SoFi Stadium, while South Africa need a win to secure second place or be among the best third-placed teams. A loss by South Korea and a Czech Republic victory over Mexico could knock LAFC’s Son Heung-min and his South Korean teammates out of the tournament.
