The last match of group A will face two American squads ready to claim the top. The one in the second position will face Argentina in the next stage:
After a boring draw in the first match these two teams have been able to recover their spirit and last week's triumph (Uruguay beat the host 3-0 while Mexico sank France at the bottom of the group with a 2-0 victory) have placed them both at the top of Group A. Uruguay has one of the deadliest offenses in the competition, for Cachavacha Forlan (Europa League's top striker and most dangerous player) and Luis Suarez can win the game on their own. "Only a few times can a team win easily and those that do are complicated in the following match. Certain groups are really tough. We're going from less to more and the team is solid. Most importantly, we're doing well: For the moment the objective is to qualify for the next stage, and if we can do it standing at the first position, much better. It's a matter of taking advantage of the moment: the strongest the team is, the wider advantage you can get" were Forlan's word regarding their shinning present.
Rustemburg's Royal Bafokeng Stadium will host a match that can make both nations happy, as a draw will secure the presence of both teams in the next stage, while a French or South African victory can send one of this teams back to America. Uruguay's goal advantage makes the Charruas the favorite for Group A's last match.
Two notable absences
Mexico's coach Javier Aguirre will have to do without Carlos Vela and Effrain Juarez (The first experiencing major physical problems while the latter won't be able to perform for his foul behavior). Pablo Aguilar will cover one of the bands, allowing Mexico to expand the field and join the offense when needed, and Vela's replace is yet unknown, as both Javier Hernandez and Javier Guardado are fully fit to show their worth against Uruguay.
History is clearly on Mexico's side, for the 17 times these two teams faced each other the Tricolor conquered 7 victories against 3 for Oscar Tabarez's squad, with 7 tied games. Three years ago Mexico defeated Uruguay during 2007's Copa America, and the biggest responsible for that victory will be on the field once again for this clash. Rafa Marquez, Mexico's captain will play a role of utmost importance against Uruguay, both in the defense and the offense. Having already offered a goal for the Tri, Marquez will have to face two giants in his own area, but his expertise might offer Mexico the security needed in the back line to stand against such specialists.
Tricolor players appear to be quite confident for this match. “Mexico won’t play for a draw. I love winning and so do my team-mates because that’s our mentality. I’m not really interested in whether Uruguay, France or South Africa qualify. I want to win this game, no two ways about it" were Cuauhtemoc Blanco words during the week. Lacking efficiency in the last meters, Mexico's strategy is a solid one, with a relatively unexperienced squad that finds in certain players the solidity only years of experience can give.
To avoid Argentina
Maestro Tabarez has shown his experience in this competition, and thanks to his wits Uruguay is placed at the first position of their group. Uruguay has not tasted a single defeat during this year, and even though they had to wait until the last moment to secure their ticket for South Africa (As Argentina's victory at the last match of the qualifying stage forced the Charruas to go for one of the last two places against Costa Rica), the present is radically different.
"We'll be there to destroy Mexico" were Diego Godin's declarations when he was asked if his team will go for a draw against the Tricolor. Edinson Cavani was fundamental in the last match to join Luis Suarez in the last meters, thus allowing Diego Forlan to occupy a creative role in the far end of the midfield. Jorge Fucile's presence in the back line was another right guess by the Maestro, as he offered a whole new offensive perspective for the Celeste. Porto's winger will have to stand against Mexico's electric strategy, but he appears to be used to be ready for everything.Fernando Muslera has managed to keep his goal shut during the first two matches, injecting team's defense with a security unknown during the qualifying stages. "We're all looking forward to doing important things in the World Cup, but it will have to be demonstrated match after match on the field. We're on it" were his humble words.
Uruguay can be troubled if Diego Forlan is neutralized by Tri's defense, while the Mexican squad can overwhelm the bands and break Celeste's defense. The loser will have to face Maradona and his stars, who will make it?
