© EuroFootball.com
Today will mark the end of the D group matches, and at 5 p.m. we will witness the long-awaited duel between Portugal and Mexico. Both teams are vying for first place in the group, so we should see an interesting battle.
D group, Portugal - Mexico Venue: Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen Referee: Lubos Michel (Slovakia)
In this match, Portugal just needs a draw to secure first place in the group. Mexico's position is a bit worse - the team needs at least a point to secure second place, while a victory would allow them to move up to first place. In case of failure, the team may not advance to the next stage if Angola manages to secure a win and has a better goal difference.
First two rounds Portugal started the championship not as expected - a minimal 1-0 victory against tournament debutants Angola. Although not achieving an impressive victory, the team was satisfied with earning three points.
"It was a tough match, but we expected that. A quick goal helped us and then we created a few more chances. There are no easy games at the World Cup. Winning is very good, no matter how it was achieved," said the Portuguese coach after the match.
In the second round, Portugal faced the Iran team. In the first match, Iran had lost, so they needed points in this match. However, the Asian representatives only held out in the first half, conceding two goals in the second half and losing 2-0, losing their chances of advancing to the next stage, while Portugal secured a spot in the round of 16 after a 40-year break.
"It was the team's best performance in the last eight matches. We secured a spot in the next stage, so before the last match, we can focus on other important things: we will see who has problems with yellow cards, some players will be able to rest," rejoiced the coach in the team's success.
Mexico also started the championship victoriously - defeating Iran 3-1. In this match, Mexico had to nervously wait, as they scored a winning goal only at the end of the match. Omar Bravo scored twice in that match.
According to Ricardo La Volpe, successful changes during halftime determined the victory: "We played nervously in the first half. The first match in the championship is always tough and the players know that. During halftime, we made the necessary changes, which allowed us to secure the victory."
After a successful start, Mexico had to be slightly disappointed, as the team could not beat the Angola team and played to a 0-0 draw. Mexico controlled the game, but could not find the back of the net.
"We controlled the ball, had chances, but the ball just did not want to go into the goal," comforted the Mexican coach.
Team news. Comments As promised, Felipe Scolari will not take risks in this match and will not field five main players with one yellow card each - Cristiano Ronaldo, Nuno Valente, Deco, Costinha, and P. Pauleta will remain on the bench. By the way, the latter player was wanted by the "Levante" team. The Spanish club reports that they have started negotiations with "PSG" regarding the forward. "Five players in the team have yellow cards, so we will make five changes. They will not play even if Mexico is winning 30-0," said F. Scolari firmly.
"I am calm about the changes, as some players have already played in the first match. I trust all 23 players in the team completely. All I want from the players is to show what they are capable of in this match. Based on their performance in these matches, I will select the lineup for the round of 16."
Within the Mexican ranks, Carlos Salcido, Gonzalo Pineda, and Gerardo Torrado each have one yellow card. However, the Mexican coach cannot afford to rest players and likely all players will appear on the field. Like the second match, the most prolific player in the team's history, Jared Borgetti, will also miss this match against Iran due to an injury suffered in the first match.
"We want to win this match. If we step onto the field wanting to play for a draw and secure a point, everything can end badly," said Mexican defender Mario Mendez.
Pavel Pardo was also determined: "We must win and advance to the next stage, everything is in our hands. Mathematical calculations and possible opponents in the next stage do not interest us, we will only aim for victory."
Previous encounters This will be the second meeting between these national teams - the only match so far took place in Lisbon in 1969 and ended in a goalless draw.
Predicted lineups Portugal: Ricardo, Ferreira, Carvalho, Meira, Caneira/Costa, Petit, Maniche, Simao, Figo, Boa Morte, Nuno Gomes. Mexico: Sanchez, Mendez, Marquez, Osorio, Salcido, Pineda, Torrado, Zinha, Pardo, Franco, Bravo.
