England challenges Mexico and altitude for place in World Cup quarterfinals
England will have a series of challenges ahead this Sunday (5), when they face Mexico in the round of 16 of the World Cup. In addition to the pressure from the fans at the traditional Azteca Stadium, in Mexico City, the English will also need to deal with the altitude of around 2,200 meters and the weather conditions expected for the match.
In the days leading up to the clash, a change in the game time was considered due to the weather, but the match was kept in the evening. The English coaching staff also expressed concern about possible demonstrations by Mexican fans during the early hours of the morning, after fans threw a party with fireworks in front of the Ecuador hotel before Mexico's 2-0 victory in the previous phase.
The retrospect also favors the home team. Since the opening of the Azteca Stadium in 1966, Mexico has recorded 70 wins, two draws and just 17 defeats at the venue with its main team.
Coach Thomas Tuchel recognized the size of the challenge.
"Perhaps it will be one of the most beautiful and exciting games you can play. There will be many obstacles, especially the altitude. It is impossible to adapt physically in just four days," he said.
England arrives on the back of a 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo and is looking to reach the quarter-finals for the third consecutive World Cup.
Mexico is trying to repeat the campaigns of 1970 and 1986, the only occasions on which it reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup. The team is going through a good offensive moment, with eight goals scored and none conceded in four matches.
Midfielder Álvaro Fidalgo classified the duel as one of the greatest of his career.
"It's the game everyone dreams of. We know England's quality, but playing this match at Azteca makes everything even more special", he assured.
The main concern of the Mexican defense will be to contain Harry Kane, scorer of five goals in this World Cup. The striker shares third place in the tournament's top scorers with Erling Haaland. The lead belongs to Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, both with seven goals.
"Now the phase begins where the important thing is to find ways to win. That's what we've done so far," said Kane.
Another English standout is Jude Bellingham, who has two goals and an assist in the tournament.
On the Mexican side, the attack has been led by Julián Quiñones, with three goals and one assist, in addition to Raúl Jiménez, who scored twice, and Roberto Alvarado, owner of three assists.
Despite concerns about possible demonstrations by fans during the early hours of the morning, Tuchel said he trusted the organization.
"We hope to have a good night's sleep. FIFA has reinforced security at the hotel. I don't want to talk about problems that don't exist yet. We were treated with respect."
Whoever advances will face Brazil or Norway in the quarterfinals, in a match scheduled for July 11, in Miami.
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Source: CNN