2018 FIFA World Cup: Mexico vs Sweden – Match Preview
Jun 27, 2018 at 10:51 AM
Mexico will be looking to end the group stage at the top when they take on Sweden in their final group game.
Group F is finely poised at the moment as all the four teams are still in contention for a place in the round of sixteen. With 6 points from two games, Mexico are currently sitting at the top of the standings and are almost in the next stage. However, they could still be eliminated if they suffer a heavy defeat against Sweden and Germany manage to thrash South Korea in the other game.
El Tri started the tournament on a brilliant note by stunning defending champions Germany. In the following game, they beat South Korea 2-1 to put themselves firmly in the driving seat. A draw against Sweden will not only ensure passage to the next stage but will also see them do it as the group winners.
However, coach Juan Carlos Osorio says Mexico will be going all out for victory and their style of play will not be altered.
“I think that won’t change. We’re going to go out there to try and secure the three points,” he told reporters when asked about Mexico’s front-runner advantage.
“That might be a factor but it’s not the most important thing. That will not have an impact on our style of play and our strategy,” he said.
On the other hand, Sweden started the tournament with an 1-0 win over South Korea before suffering a heartbreaking defeat against Germany in the dying minutes. They can still qualify if they beat or draw with Mexico and Germany fail to beat South Korea.
Or both Germany and Sweden can go through with a win each as long as Sweden’s goal difference is better than Mexico.
Coach Janne Andersson said his side is prepared to take on Mexico for a place in the knockout rounds.
“We had a very good performance against Germany and deserve great respect for that. Know that Mexico are a very good team,” he said.
“They are fast and technically gifted. We respect them as opponents. Are not going to be surprised by them. We know they are good team. We are ready to play them and we are looking forward to the challenge.”
Sportzwiki brings you all you need to know ahead of the clash between the two sides.
Venue and time:
Mexico and Sweden will lock horns at the Ekaterinburg Arena, Ekaterinburg. The action will begin at 7:30 PM IST on Wednesday.
Players to look out for:
Mexico – Andres Guardado
So far, Hirving Lozano and Javier Hernandez have grabbed all the spotlight for Mexico. However, skipper Andres Guardado has been a key figure at the base of El Tri’s midfield. He has overseen the movement in the midfield quite well and will look to put up a good performance again.
Hoy vamos por el tercer triunfo y el primer lugar del grupo #NadaNosDetiene pic.twitter.com/OugwFmPtmw
— Andrés Guardado (@AGuardado18) June 27, 2018
Sweden – Jimmy Durmaz
Sweden were minutes away from sealing a point against Germany when substitute Durmaz gave away the foul that allowed Toni Kroos to score the winner. In case, he starts against Mexico, he is set to grab quite a good number of eyeballs.
Where to watch:
The Indian fans will enjoy extensive coverage of the game. The English coverage will get telecast on SONY TEN 2 SD and HD channels.
The Hindi feed will be aired on SONY TEN 3 SD and HD channels. Bengali and Malayali feed will be available on SONY ESPN SD channel.
Follow live score on Sportzwiki.