MEXICO CITY — Ahead of Mexico’s round of 16 match against England at the iconic Azteca Stadium, coach Javier Aguirre is dismissing discussions surrounding altitude as an advantage for his team. He emphasized that potential changes to the kickoff time, due to expected thunderstorms, have not affected his squad’s focus.
This highly anticipated match is set to occur in front of a passionate home crowd. Historically, Mexico has fared well at the Azteca Stadium, claiming victory in 8 out of 10 World Cup matches held there. Located at an elevation of 7,220 feet, the stadium’s altitude is often mentioned as a factor in match play. However, Aguirre remains unfazed by such considerations.
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At a media session prior to the match, Aguirre praised the skill and speed of English players. “Historically, English players are agile and quick,” he stated, acknowledging the strength and talent that key players bring from both domestic leagues and international competitions.
He also noted the evolution of England’s playing style under the management of Gareth Southgate, with insights from Thomas Tuchel, highlighting a shift towards versatility. While England has kept elements of their traditional fast-paced play—with long passes and rapid transitions—they have also become adept at adjusting their approach when necessary.
Addressing the altitude factor directly, Aguirre stated, “It’s 11-on-11 and the referee is there, so my focus remains on the game itself.” He aims for his team to concentrate on their objectives without getting sidetracked by external factors.
On Friday, just two days before the match, a proposal to change the kickoff time from 6 PM to noon due to inclement weather was reportedly discussed. Aguirre expressed strong discontent about this potential change, labeling it “disgusting” and noting he was unhappy with the timing adjustment.
As if weather-related distractions weren’t enough, the team faced another unusual situation involving YouTuber Steven Derenardis. He had gifted Rolex watches to the players after betting on Mexico’s victory over Ecuador. However, the watches were ultimately returned, with the Mexican Football Federation confirming the decision to give them back was mutual among the players.
When questioned whether these incidents had any impact on his squad, Aguirre confidently responded that everything surrounding the team felt natural to him. He stated, “Both topics came naturally to me… they weren’t planned, and I appreciate that we are resolving these issues as a cohesive unit. The team is strong and ready for the game tomorrow.”
Aguirre’s strategic focus is now on how best to counter England’s formidable attack, particularly the prolific Harry Kane. He mentioned that he has been studying Premier League footage to analyze how teams utilize throw-ins effectively. Acknowledging England’s prowess, he asserted that Mexico must deliver a near-perfect performance to move forward in the tournament. He recognized Kane as a vital player who poses a significant threat, having already scored five goals in the current World Cup.
“Harry Kane is a world star,” Aguirre emphasized, highlighting Kane’s contributions to both the national team and Bayern Munich. He recognized Kane as not only a skilled scorer but also a strong leader on the pitch. Aguirre’s plan is to employ their defensive midfielders strategically to limit Kane’s effectiveness and disrupt his rhythm.
