World Cup Game Outlook: Mexico aim to reverse World Cup failure vs Portugal
Mexico are aiming to reverse a dreadful record against European opponents by beating Portugal to top Group D in their final first round match tomorrow. Mexico need only a draw to make sure of the knock-out round but are keen to avoid a match-up with free-scoring Argentina, favourites to win the parallel Group C.
However, history is not in Mexico's favour with just one win in their past 10 World Cup matches against European teams. In four of their five forays past the first round, their campaign floundered against teams from the continent.
They will also be playing without all-time leading scorer Jared Borgetti, who picked up an injury in the 3-1 win against Iran and will not return until the knock-out stages.
With Portugal already qualified, Mexico can still be beaten into second place if they lose tomorrow and Angola beat Iran by three goals. Elimination would be a cruel blow for Mexico, who topped the group after the opening games.
Mexico will also be boosted by signs that Portugal will take a more relaxed approach to the match. But Portugal remain strong favourites for the match after an unbeaten run in competitive matches that stretches back to February 2005.
Right-back Miguel, a rising star under Scolari, said the Brazilian coach had worked to stamp out the fragility that saw them flop in 1986 and 2002. Under Scolari, Portugal reached the Euro 2004 final and wins against Angola and Iran have put them through to the knock-out stages for the first time since 1966.
The last time Portugal qualified from the group stage was in 1966, when thanks to Eusebio's nine goals they reached the semi-finals before being beaten by eventual champions England.
They flopped in a relatively easy group in 1986 and were surprisingly sent packing in 2002 after defeats to the United States and South Korea.
However, history is not in Mexico's favour with just one win in their past 10 World Cup matches against European teams. In four of their five forays past the first round, their campaign floundered against teams from the continent.
They will also be playing without all-time leading scorer Jared Borgetti, who picked up an injury in the 3-1 win against Iran and will not return until the knock-out stages.
With Portugal already qualified, Mexico can still be beaten into second place if they lose tomorrow and Angola beat Iran by three goals. Elimination would be a cruel blow for Mexico, who topped the group after the opening games.
Mexico will also be boosted by signs that Portugal will take a more relaxed approach to the match. But Portugal remain strong favourites for the match after an unbeaten run in competitive matches that stretches back to February 2005.
Right-back Miguel, a rising star under Scolari, said the Brazilian coach had worked to stamp out the fragility that saw them flop in 1986 and 2002. Under Scolari, Portugal reached the Euro 2004 final and wins against Angola and Iran have put them through to the knock-out stages for the first time since 1966.
The last time Portugal qualified from the group stage was in 1966, when thanks to Eusebio's nine goals they reached the semi-finals before being beaten by eventual champions England.
They flopped in a relatively easy group in 1986 and were surprisingly sent packing in 2002 after defeats to the United States and South Korea.
posted by 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany at 5:00 AM
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