On Sunday, Mexico and England face each other at the Azteca Stadium for a ticket to the quarterfinals of the World Cup. For the Tricolor, it is the opportunity to break a four-decade drought without reaching that stage.
The euphoria grows after four consecutive victories without conceding goals. No rival has been able to breach the Mexican defense. But England, runners-up in the last two European Championships, represents the biggest challenge.
Javier Aguirre, Mexican coach, knows it: “You are facing England, number 4 in the world, world champion… We will have to play an almost perfect match.”
The Aztec fortress
The support of the stadium is key. Since 1966, Mexico has only lost two official matches at the Azteca. In their three World Cups at home, they have eight wins and two draws. In this edition, three victories without goals against.
“There are a lot of emotions, stories behind it,” said Aguirre, who was part of the 1986 team. “I think the best is yet to come.”
The weapons of Mexico and the English threat
Aguirre relies on the attack with Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez, and on defensive solidity to stop Harry Kane, the tournament’s top scorer with five goals. The plan is to always keep an eye on him.
“Kane is a world figure. We will try to make sure he is not comfortable, that he always has someone on top of him,” Aguirre explained. He also highlighted Jude Bellingham and the English coach Thomas Tuchel.
Midfielder Gilberto Mora, 17, could be a surprise.
What if yes?
Expectations are moderate, but excitement grows. Mexico already broke a 40-year streak without winning in the knockout phase by beating Ecuador. Now, Azteca once again witnesses a match that could change history.
