Spectators at the Estadio Castelao will witness a thrilling matchup between CONCACAF greats Mexico and South American titans Brazil on June 19. The individual duel, composed by the presence of Neymar and Javier Hernandez, has lighted up the hype ahead of this Group A fixture.
Mexico are in a do-or-die situation as they count no point in the table following defeat in the hands of Italy. On Monday, 21-year-old star Neymar issued a statement that could frighten the opposition’s defenders.
“I’ll be 100% fit for the Mexico game,” the ex-Santos striker declared as recorded by Times of India.
Should Brazil replicate or improve on the performance that saw them brush Japan aside last Saturday, Mexico could be in great trouble. The CONCACAF Gold Cup champions have been struggling to hit top form and striker Javier Hernandez – who has netted 33 goals in 48 international matches for El Tri – seems to shoulder too much responsibility.
Back in May, rumours emerged on the transfer market, linking Chicharito with a switch from Manchester United to Spanish giants Real Madrid. Since his dream move from Chivas Guadalajara to Old Trafford, the Mexican has indeed not been able to cement his spot in the Red Devils’ First XI. Last season, he made only nine starts in a total of 22 appearances for Manchester United.
However, it appears he is not going anywhere following a statement by agent Eduardo Hernandez in an interview with the Mexican press two weeks ago. As reported by Talk Sport, the agent – who also represents Real Sociedad’s Carlos Vela – dismissed transfer speculations, stating:
“[Javier Hernandez] is very happy at Manchester United. Javier has been there three years and has won the league twice. Not many can say they have achieved that.”
FC Barcelona’s Neymar might never meet Chicharito in La Liga but the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup has at least created a platform for the two youngsters to engage in a fierce clash at the delight of the public.
When Neymar came up against Mexico during the London 2012 Men’s Football Tournament final, bad luck again denied Brazil’s quest for Olympic gold. Javier Hernandez was not present as Manchester United did not release him for the competition.
On Wednesday, the Little Pea will finally come head to head against Brazil’s man of the moment, Neymar. The latter, empowered by the iconic number 10 shirt, will be hoping to break his rival’s heart by forcing Mexico to a second defeat after last Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Italy.
Will the Confederations Cup 2013 competition’s first goal scorer – Neymar – inspire the hosts to revenge at the detriment of Chicharito’s Mexico?
