Mexico returns to Fortaleza on Sunday in a showdown with the 2010 World Cup finalist, the Netherlands.
Holland hoisted the adidas Silver ball trophy four years ago, but are more focused and determined as ever to make sure that silver turns to gold in this year’s tournament. The Netherlands was perfect in group play, scoring a World Cup high 10 goals while demolishing their competition with ease including the team they lost to in 2010, defending champions Spain.
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Clockwork Orange is led by their own “big three” of Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder, the trio form one of the most dynamic offensive attacks in the world. They will face a very difficult task in Mexico, however. A task that Sneijder thinks they are up to:
“We are very confident, but we always have to look to our next opponents and Mexico have a good team. They’re a tough team to play against so, yes, we’ll have to concentrate and focus purely on this match. After that, let’s see what happens.”
Mexico comes in as confident as any country in this entire tournament. With wins over Cameroon, and Croatia, their confidence may have reached an all-time high in a game they didn’t even win. In the second match of group play, Mexico had a scoreless tie with Cup favorite Brazil in the same Castelao stadium that they will play in Sunday.
Mexico’s goalkeeper, Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa was the hero of that match and afterward he earned the nickname, “the fortress of Fortaleza” as he tied the record for most saves in a World Cup game with six. “Memo” will need to be particular sharp again however if El Tri has any chance to win the match.
Mexico has only made it to the quarterfinals twice in their World Cup history, and both of those times was on their home soil. They have made it to the knockout stage six consecutive times since 1994, but history has been cruel to the Aztecas as they have lost all five of their second round matches.
If Mexico has a superstar on this team, it may just be their coach, Miguel “El Piojo” Herrera. Herrera has become an internet sensation with his passion, energy and bombastic celebrations. His confidence since taking over the managing duties for Mexico may have been the difference from a team that barely qualified for this World Cup to a team that is on the verge of making World Cup history for Mexico. His confidence continued on Friday:
“Honestly, the interest one has about the celebrations and everything, not to mention the constant communication through Twitter with the people in Mexico, with all of our team that happens. Well I’m sure tomorrow there will be more celebrations because I’m sure that Mexico will score goals and win the match.”
The weather might play a factor for Netherlands as temperatures are expected to top 90 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the match. Mexico is familiar with the Fortaleza and the heat, and don’t believe they will have any difficulties.
The Netherlands comes into the match with a bevy of injuries to be concerned with as Nigel de Jong, Daley Blind, Arjen Robben and Stefan de Vrij all missed practice this week. Leroy Fer is definitely missing the match and there are doubts that Bruno Martins Indi who suffered a concussion against Chile, may be out as well. On the bright side for le oranje, they will have star striker Robin van Persie back from a suspension who already has 3 goals through two games.
Mexico is coming in fully fit, but Jose Juan Vazquez is suspended for the match after receiving his second yellow card against Croatia. His absence could pave the way for “super-sub”, Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez to start for the first time in the World Cup.
Chicharito, who plays for Manchester United, might get the chance to get an up close and personal look at Netherlands Coach, Louis van Gaal who will be taking over managing duties for Manchester United after the World Cup concludes. Chicharito however is looking forward to moving on past their second round opponent:
“This is just one more step forward, a very important one, but just one more step. If we want to make history we have to beat the Netherlands and keep moving along the path we’ve set out for ourselves.” he said.
Mexico will be looking for their first win against the Dutch as they have lost three and drawn one in their last four meetings with them. But if this history does not bode well for them, El Tri fans can be encouraged by their 9-2 record against European opponents in their last 11 matches.
The game is set to kick off at 12:00 PM EST at the Estadio Castelao in Fortaleza. It can be seen on ESPN and in Spanish on Univision. If you want to live stream the match, simply go to WatchESPN here and here for a live stream in Spanish.
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