Preview: Mexico City to experience a real ‘final’ atmosphere
The time has come for Mexico’s national team to show its intent of being up there among the best. The next 180 minutes of football for the American’s neighbours are crucial. They could sink the nation into depression or lift it into ecstasy.
The first part of this 180-minute period comes up in a very late game – the last of the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying zone’s three fixtures on Friday, October 11, 2013.
El Tri will put some of their hopes on Costa Rica attempting to defeat Honduras. But by the time the game against Panama kicks off at the Estadio Azteca, the hosts will know where their biggest competitors, Los Catrachos, stand in the Hexagonal.
The pressure particularly relies on the shoulders of two men: new head coach Victor Manuel Vucetich and Manchester United forward Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez. These are kind of games where team effort needs an extra push from key men.
In the last six World Cup qualifiers – or since scoring a brace to offer El Tri a point away to Honduras on Matchday 2 of the Fourth Round – the Little Pea has not found the net for his country. How long will his goal drought in competitive games continue?
Panama, who have picked only two points away from home in the Hex, will be looking to keep Chicharito quiet one more time.
Ahead of Matchday 9, the Mexicans find themselves in fifth position and locked on eight points like upcoming opponents Panama. Friday’s clash should produce all what a neutral football fan could hope for: drama, fast pace, skill and true passion from the crowd. It will be like a final one just cannot miss.
Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores
Watch Mexico vs Panama live on Friday, October 11, 2013:
In USA at 21:30 ET on: Univision Deportes, UniMás, ESPNEWS
This CONCACAF World Cup qualifying match will be broadcast live in other parts of the world – namely Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Visit the Mexico-Panama match page for full live listings and do remember that LiveSoccerTV will serve you with live scores during the game.
