What: FIFA 2010 World Cup
Who: Mexico vs Uruguay (Group A)
When: Tuesday 22nd June, 2010, at 19:30 UK time
Where: Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenberg, South Africa
Getting into their Stride
Since replacing Sven-Goran Eriksson as coach, Javier Aguirre has done a fantastic job. Mexico are playing entertaining stuff, and the players suddenly have confidence in their abilities at international level again. While their opening match against South Africa was difficult – meeting the host nation in the very first game of a World Cup always is – El Tri did dominate large sections of the game and looked comfortable.
The Mexicans were able to show more of their skills against France, running out 2-0 winners with ease. Now they have the chance to ensure qualification through to the last 16, and while that should happen no matter the result here, Aguirre will want to miss Argentina, assuming Maradona’s men top their group.
La Celeste on their Way
La Celeste needed a playoff against Costa Rica to make the World Cup finals, so in many ways their fine performances in both their group games so far is something of a surprise. Coach Oscar Washington Tabarez usually operates with a 3-5-2 and the Uruguayans displayed defensive football against France, showing they can keep things tight when needed.
Against South Africa it was a different story as Tabarez let his players off the leash, using three forwards. Diego Forlan in particular was impressive against the hosts and Uruguay could well be the surprise package of the tournament.
Recent form
Mexico:
Italy 1-2 Mexico (03/06; Friendly)
South Africa 1-1 Mexico (11/06; World Cup – Group A)
France 0-2 Mexico (17/06; World Cup – Group A)
Uruguay:
Uruguay 4-1 Israel (27/05; Friendly)
Uruguay 0-0 France (11/06; World Cup – Group A)
South Africa 0-3 Uruguay (16/06; World Cup – Group A)
Players to watch
Mexico – Carlos Salcido: The right back currently plays for Dutch side PSV Eindhoven and has impressed everyone with his displays in the first group games. Salcido’s technical and tactical abilities are the glue that holds the Mexican defence together. The defender will need to be at his best if Mexico are to go far.
Uruguay – Edison Cavani: Coming off the back of a great season with Palermo, Cavani missed out on the opening game against South Africa. The forward stormed back against France though, being too hot for Les Bleus’ defence to handle.
Match prediction
Both teams need just a draw to make sure of qualification and it is hard to imagine another result. The biggest motivation will instead be the need to avoid Argentina in the last 16, with the Uruguayans especially fearing Maradona’s men. Of real interest here will be the tactical shapes employed by both coaches: Tabarez and Aguirre are flexible in their thinking and change systems readily. Even so, a 1-1 draw looks a good bet.
Don’t forget: If you fancy a bet on this exciting game, you can find and compare the prices of all major online bookmakers at tip-ex.com.
