Mexico v Uruguay: match preview

Group A
Mexico v Uruguay
Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg
Kick-off: Tues June 22, 3pm BS
Hearing the conspiracy theories here, you could almost persuade yourself the fix is on. South Africa, desperate to continue in the tournament, has almost convinced itself this game will be drawn, thus ensuring the end of Bafana Bafana’s dream. Only one little fact spoils this convenient theory; the loser would almost certainly have to play Argentina in the next round.

Uruguay hold the advantage on goal difference. Carlos Vela has a hamstring problem which could keep him out of the knock out stages, while Uruguay, who have Nicolas Lodeiro back after suspension, may stay unchanged.
Key clash
Rafael Marquez v Diego Forlan
Old foes in La Liga, imperious Barca’s Rafael Marquez, the man whose experience and international nous is key as he patrols just in front of Mexico’s defence, knows he will have his work cut out with handling Atletico Madrid’s Diego Forlan, who has looked in prime nick, scoring twice in the defeat of South Africa.
Talking tactics
Aguirre may plump for the extra pace of Javier Hernandez, Manchester United’s new signing who proved their hero against France after coming off the bench, alongside the slick Gio dos Santos in a bid to get behind the compact Uruguayan defence.
Touchline duel
Javier Aguirre v Oscar Tabares
Javier Aguirre looks to have his team flowing smoothly, with Mexico having enjoyed more preparation games then anybody else but Oscar Tabares’ nous as a defensive strategist can be appreciated from Uruguay’s unbeaten streak this year.
What they are saying
Cuauhtemoc Blanco: "Do I prefer to avoid Argentina or face them in the next round? It doesn't matter. We are mentally strong enough to beat anyone.”
Oscar Tabarez: “Of course, we go out to try and win and we certainly aren't going to come to any agreement with Mexico or do anything illegal.”
Teams (probable)
Mexico (4-1-2-3): Perez; Osorio, Rodriguez, Moreno, Salcido; Marquez; Castro, Torrado; Dos Santos, Franco, Barrera
Substitutes: Ochoa, Michel, Blanco, Aguilar, Hernandez, Guardado, Magallon, Torres, Bautista, Medina.
Uruguay (4-3-3): Muslera; M Pereira, Lugano, Godin, Fucile; Perez, Arevalo, A Pereira; Suarez, Forlan, Cavani.
Substitutes: Castillo, Silva, Gargano, Victorino, Eguren, Abreu, Lodeiro, Gonzalez, Scotti, A Fernandez, S Fernandez,Caceres.
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary).
Previous meetings
Played 17: Mexico 7, Draws 7, Uruguay 3
1952 (Santiago, friendly): Mexico 1 Uruguay 3
1966 (London, WC): Mexico 0 Uruguay 0
1968 (Mexico City, friendly): Mexico 3 Uruguay 3
1968 (Mexico City, friendly): Mexico 2 Uruguay 2
1968 (Montevideo, friendly): Uruguay 0 Mexico 2
1984 (Montevideo, friendly): Uruguay 1 Mexico 1
1986 (Los Angeles, friendly): Mexico 1 Uruguay 0
1990 (Los Angeles, friendly): Mexico 1 Uruguay 0
1991 (Los Angeles, friendly): Mexico 0 Uruguay 2
1991 (Veracruz, friendly): Mexico 1 Uruguay 1
1995 (San Diego): Mexico 1 Uruguay 0
1995 (Montevideo, Continental final): Mexico 1 Uruguay 1
2001 (Pereira, Continental final): Mexico 2 Uruguay 1
2003 (Chicago, friendly): Mexico 0 Uruguay 2
2004 (Chiclayo, Continental final): Mexico 2 Uruguay 2
2005 (Guadalajara, friendly): Mexico 3 Uruguay 1
2007 (Caracas, Continental final): Uruguay 1 Mexico 3
Fact: Uruguay have scored 69 goals in the World Cup finals, the second highest South American scorers (behind Argentina).
Prediction: Uruguay had little sympathy for the hosts and will beat Mexico.