With the World Cup just around the corner, many of the 32 teams participating are figuring out who will be in their starting XI by testing themselves against some of their fellow contenders. And, from the fan's perspective, it gives them a chance to see some of their favourite stars in action, especially if they are not fortunate enough to live within the same country, or in many cases, same continent where the team is based.
This evening will see Mexico take on Bosnia in a friendly clash at Chicago's Soldier Field. It represents the second to last friendly for El Tri, who will travel to Massachusetts to face off against Portugal in three days, a week before opening their World Cup campaign against Cameroon on June 16th.
Miguel Herrera's men have enjoyed success in all their friendlies this year, starting off with a 4-0 hammering of South Korea in January and winning their last two matches against Israel and and most recently, a 3-1 victory over Ecuador. Unfortunately, though, the inherently perilous nature of friendly clashes was exposed during that win as they lost midfielder Luis Montes, who suffered a broken leg after a tacke from Segundo Castillo.
Still, tough tackling captain Rafael Marquez has turned back the years time and time again with his excellent displays for his national side, and his team will be counting on him to do what he does best in the centre of defense. And, of course, to be a guiding light as they navigate through Group A against hosts Brazil, Croatia, and Cameroon.
This will certainly be the last World Cup opportunity for 35-year-old defender Rafael Marquez
As for Bosnia, despite being the new kids on the block as far as the World Cup is concerned, they do have quite a few players that are well known to fans of Europe's major leagues. Premier League striker Edin Dzeko had a fantastic season with Manchester City, grabbing 26 goals in all competitions. On the international front, the powerful attacker is not just the his nation's all-time top scorer but also grabbed an impressive 10 goals during his team's qualifying campaign--one third of his team's total haul--that fired them to top of their group.
Dzeko had a great outing in his team's friendly against Didier Drogba's Ivory Coast on May 30th, grabbing a double and will be keen on adding more to build up confidence heading to Brazil. Grouped with Lionel Messi's Argentina, 2013 African Cup of Nations winners Nigeria, and Asia's top ranked side Iran, the debutants will have a tough task ahead of them in their group.
Edin Dzeko will be one that Mexico will have to contain to maintain their unbeaten friendly streak
Serie A fans will also be quite familiar with Miralem Pjanic's exploits with Roma during the Giallorossi's top performances in the league this season, and he will be another that his team will be counting on to put in a good shift in Brazil.
Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores
Watch Mexico vs Bosnia live on Tuesday, June 3, 2014:
In the US at 21.30 EST on: Univision Deportes, Watch ESPN, UniMás, Futbol de Primera Radio, ESPN2
In Mexico at 20.30 EST on: TV Azteca 7
In Bosnia at 03.30 CET (Wednesday) on: BHT 1
For more live listings and scores of this friendly, visit the Mexico vs. Bosnia match page.
