Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg, South Africa
Draw enough for top two to progress
The two favourites to progress from Group A meet on Tuesday knowing a draw will be enough for both sides to reach the second round. Though a tie is the ideal scenario for both nations, one hopes that there will be no repeat of West Germany's mutually beneficial 1-0 win over Austria at the 1982 finals. With the team that comes second in Group A facing the daunting prospect of Argentina in the second round, there is certainly plenty left for Mexico and Uruguay to play for.
Mexico have shown plenty of attacking promise, with Giovani Dos Santos emerging as a key creative figure for Javier Aguirre's side, and their victory against France was just reward for a policy of throwing caution to the wind. But question marks remain over their defence, and with a real tendency to leave large spaces on the wings, Uruguay's pair of Pereiras - Alvaro and Maxi - have the ability to punish them in a way that Les Bleus didn't manage. Mexico's failure to convert their chances proved costly in the 1-1 draw with South Africa, but against France they proved they have the ability to add substance to their unquestionable style.
After a cagey approach to the opening 0-0 draw with France, Oscar Tabarez unleashed Diego Forlan to devastating effect against South Africa. Edinson Cavani was brought into partner Luis Suarez up front, with Forlan moving back into the hole, where the Atletico Madrid forward was free to drop deep and influence the game - even netting two goals for his troubles. The formation change also gave Luis Suarez a new lease of life as he created two of Uruguay's goals and the South American's renewed attacking freedom means Mexico's Rafael Marquez will likely be charged with keeping a watchful eye on the in-form Forlan.
Uruguay player to watch: Diego Perez. The unsung hero of the Uruguay side, Perez provides a combatative and steely presence in midfield, doing all the ugly work so the more creative players can flourish. Without Perez, the likes of Diego Forlan, Alvaro Pereira and Luis Suarez would not have the ball to work with; he is a vital cog in the thus far efficient Uruguay machine.
Mexico player to watch: Cuauhtemoc Blanco . At 37 years old, legendary striker Blanco is the oldest player to have appeared at the 2010 finals and has taken up the Roger Milla-esque role of veteran super sub. Having been overlooked for the 2006 World Cup in Germany, the Mexican public were delighted by Javier Aguirre's decision to recall the cult figure to the national team set-up. His goal against France means he has now scored in three finals (1998, 2002 and 2010) and the man who brought us the bunny-hop still has the touch and football brain to cause any team problems.
Key Battle: Guillermo Franco v Diego Lugano. Uruguay have yet to concede at this year's finals, and the presence of defensive colossus and team captain Lugano has been key to their two clean sheets. Imperious in the air and hard in the tackle, Lugano takes no prisoners, which does not bode well for misfiring Mexico striker Guillermo Franco. Having scored in a warm-up game against England, Franco has regressed to the profligate figure West Ham fans were accustomed to watching last season. He does possess good anticipation and seven international goals says that he can score at this level, but he will need something special to escape Lugano's clutches.
Trivia: Seven different players recorded multiple-goal games for Uruguay in its first three trips to the World Cup (1930, 1950, and 1954), including Oscar Miguez, who did it three times. But Diego Forlan was the first Uruguayan player to score twice in a World Cup match since Juan Hohberg scored a brace against Hungary in 1954.
Stats: Mexico striker Javier Hernandez (age 22) and Cauhetemoc Blanco (37) set a record of sorts by scoring against France. Never before had a pair of teammates that far apart in age scored in the same World Cup match.
Odds: Mexico (3.75), Uruguay (4.30), the draw (1.80) are all on offer at Bet365, while Diego Forlan is attractively priced at 6.50 to score the first goal.
Prediction: Though neither side will be keen on facing Argentina, what's more important is that they both progress to the second round. It's a match that seems to scream Latin flair, but in reality will be a tight contest that threatens to end in the draw that both nations need.
Tuesday 22nd June 2010
Venue: Royal Bafokeng Stadium
Kick-off: 15:00
Aguirre will not settle for draw
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre has stressed the importance of winning the Group A match against Uruguay and insists his side will not settle for a draw that would take both teams through.
There are fears the two sides may play out a stalemate at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium - and dump rivals South Africa and France out of the competition in the process.
FIFA stated last week they expect all 32 finalists in South Africa to play fairly and Aguirre is adamant his side will be going all out to win.
"We're going to try and win," the El Tri boss said. "We can be first, second, third or even fourth in the group.
"The law of the Mexican side is to win. If as a consequence of what happens on the pitch there's a draw or a defeat and we both qualify with no major goal differences, then we'll both be happy.
"But I can guarantee the Mexican side is going to go out there to try and win."
The Mexicans, who have a solid record at World Cups having reached the last 16 in four straight tournaments since 1994, also have the added incentive of avoiding a clash with Argentina in the second round if they can top the group.
Aguirre continued: "My players are very relaxed and know they can be either first or second in the group. They know they have to be fully focussed because we still haven't achieved anything, so we have no reason to feel happy.
"Mathematically we still don't have our ticket to the next round and we have to try and take those three points, so that we can achieve our aims for the first round."
Aguirre's side have had an excellent tournament so far, drawing the opening match against the hosts 1-1, before easing past France 2-0.
The coach believes their pre-tournament work is finally paying off.
He added: "We've been working together now for about 75 days. Judging by the players' behaviour on and off the pitch, I think we're doing very well.
"We're in good form. I don't have variables to measure the mood, the physical status and the footballing feeling of the team.
"But all the games we've played together, I've seen huge enthusiasm, all with a will and wish to win. We lost against England and Holland but we've always been enthusiastic.
"We've defended our style and our approach. Of course, we've made mistakes and we've paid a high price. I hope we don't make mistakes and have a perfect game and can win."
Two players will definitely be out for Mexico - Arsenal striker Carlos Vela, who has a hamstring problem, and the suspended Efrain Juarez.
"We are very sad about Vela, that's a concern," said Aguirre. "But I've got 21 players available and their all physically and mentally very strong."
Oscar Tabarez is not worried about who his Uruguay team may play in the next round despite a potential South American derby against Argentina being on the cards.
La Celeste are on the brink of securing a place in the last 16 and a point against Mexico will ensure their progress.
It will also keep them in the number one position in Group A and help avoid a meeting with their continental neighbours, who are on course to top Group B.
However, Tabarez said: "I'm not even thinking about future matches. It's not a question of wanting to play with this team or that other team and I'm certainly not praying to do that or lighting candles.
"I've participated in prior World Cups and I know you have to come to a World Cup not thinking about this. We know which rivals we're going to have to play months in advance and all the possible permutations.
"What we want to do is qualify for the next round and in addition we want to top the group if we can but not because we want to avoid Argentina. So I've certainly not stopped to think about this."
As for those thinking the two countries may play out a deliberate draw that will render the South Africa-France clash meaningless. Tabarez added: "I think it's just lots of people being creative and also lacking respect for those of us, the players and the coaches, that are going to be playing in that match.
"But people can talk for free, so let's just leave it there."
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