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By Neel Shelat
Pressure on for El Tri
Mexico are set to become the first nation to host the FIFA Men’s World Cup three times. The team made it to the quarter-finals on each of the previous two occasions, and fans will be hoping to see at least a repeat of that this time around.
El Tri had reached the knockouts of each of the last seven World Cups before 2022, so the end of that streak in Qatar was a source of great disappointment. Now on home soil, they will have various edges that can get them over the line in the group stage.
Besides the raucous backing of passionate supporters, Mexico’s home advantage includes the altitude factor. It will be particularly effective at the Estadio Azteca — the venue of the opener — which sits 2,200 metres above sea level.
Broos’ boys gunning for the knockouts
South Africa have never reached the knockout stage of the men’s World Cup, but the expanded format presents them with a decent chance.
Veteran head coach Hugo Broos has great memories in Mexico from his playing days, as he was a part of the Belgian squad that reached the semi-finals in 1986. This is his first World Cup as a coach, though, and it will also be his last; he will retire after the tournament.
In his five years with the team, Broos has shaped South Africa into a solid unit that can move the ball really nicely, but the lack of an attacking edge has always been the main challenge. Bafana Bafana will hope that their newest contingent of young forwards can help overcome that on the biggest stage.
Team news
Left-back Aubrey Modiba is a doubt for South Africa going into this game, though there are encouraging signs as he was spotted in training on Tuesday. Bafana Bafana are flexible between a back four and five, so it will be interesting to see how they shape up going into this match.
Javier Aguirre has a big call to make in midfield, where the injured Marcel Ruiz is a big miss for the tournament. At the base of it, team captain Edson Álvarez’s spot could well be under threat from Cruz Azul’s Érik Lira.
Key Players
Johan Vásquez, now established as a solid centre-back in Serie A with Genoa, will need to showcase the best of his defensive and on-ball qualities. Clinicality up front will be key to Mexico’s approach, so Saudi Pro League top-scorer Julián Quiñones and veteran forward Raúl Jiménez could get chances to become the heroes.
South Africa will look to be careful with the ball when they have it, so elegant midfielder Teboho Mokoena will be one to watch. Orlando Pirates starlet Relebohile Mofokeng could be the difference-maker going forward, while goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is capable of the spectacular with his feet and hands.
Prediction
A tense affair is to be expected. South Africa may have enough to hold on to a 1-1 draw.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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