The group stage of the
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Such was Mexico’s dominance in Group A that head coach Javier Aguirre could make a host of changes for their final fixture. Despite the rotation, El Tri swept Czechia aside 3-0, thanks in no small part to the performance of teenager Gilberto Mora.
The midfielder was hugely impressive as, aged 17 years and 253 days, he became the sixth-youngest player in history to start a men’s World Cup match, and the youngest ever to do so for Mexico. He will be hoping he has another chance to showcase his quality against Ecuador, most likely from the bench.
One player almost certain to return to the starting line-up is Raul Jimenez. Rested against Czechia, the 35-year-old remains Mexico’s most potent forward, having scored 45 times in 126 appearances for his country, including a first in the World Cup in the tournament’s opening game against South Africa.
Ecuador left it until the final group game to confirm their place in the knockout stages. Beccacece’s side struggled to create chances in the opening two games as they lost to the Ivory Coast and drew 0-0 with Curacao.
However, they produced when it mattered the most, beating Germany and finally showcasing their attacking talent. Sunderland’s Nilson Angulo was a constant threat and bagged the equaliser before Gonzalo Plata’s winner sent a country into ecstasy.
With newly appointed captain Moises Caicedo – the baton passed from Enner Valencia with group-stage progress secured – in midfield and backed by their passionate supporters, La Tri will believe they can silence the home crowd in Mexico City to win a first knockout fixture.
FourFourTwo’s prediction
Mexico 2-1 Ecuador
FourFourTwo predicts the co-hosts will continue their winning run and set up a potential last-16 meeting with England.
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