Mexican media have expressed strong confidence in their national team's ability to defeat England and advance to the World Cup quarter-finals, pointing to the significant home advantage of the Azteca Stadium's altitude and perceived weaknesses in England's defense. The prevailing sentiment in Mexican newspapers suggests a strategic approach focused on exploiting England's stamina and defensive vulnerabilities.
Recent performances, including England's hard-fought 2-1 victory over DR Congo, have emboldened these views. Mexican commentators noted England's struggle to assert dominance, falling behind early in the match and toiling for an equalizer before captain Harry Kane's late brace secured the win. This unconvincing performance has fueled the belief that Mexico can replicate their successes from previous World Cup tournaments hosted in 1970 and 1986, when they reached the quarter-finals.
Exploiting the Altitude and Defense
Central to Mexico's perceived advantage is the altitude of the Azteca Stadium, situated approximately 2,200 meters (7,220 feet) above sea level. Journalists have called for Mexico to leverage this factor by controlling possession and forcing England to expend significant energy, particularly down the wings. The strategy reportedly involves wingers Roberto Alvarado and Julian Quinones pressuring the English defense, aiming to tire the visitors.
England's defensive unit has been identified as a key area for Mexico to exploit. Writers suggest that midfielder Gilberto Mora's intelligence and vision could create opportunities for striker Raul Jimenez, who has a notable history of success against England's goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford. In his time playing in England, Jimenez has reportedly scored six goals against Pickford.
Mexico's home record at the Azteca is formidable, with 70 wins, 17 draws, and only two losses in 89 matches. They remain unbeaten at the venue in World Cup play, securing three wins in the current tournament without conceding a goal against South Africa, Czech Republic, and Ecuador. One prediction from El Universal sports coordinator Daniel Blumrosen suggested a 1-0 victory for Mexico, acknowledging England's superior individual quality but emphasizing the cumulative effect of the altitude, different playing conditions, and the stadium's atmosphere.
Another outlet, Milenio, conceded England's talent but claimed they can be made to appear vulnerable if subjected to pressure. The outlet advocates for Mexico to make the game physically demanding, create second chances, disrupt England's rhythm, press high, score an early goal, and maintain a solid defense.
England's Perspective on the Challenge
England manager Thomas Tuchel acknowledged the significant advantage Mexico holds due to the altitude, stating that adaptation is physically not possible in the short time available. He expressed that his team will have to cope with the conditions, citing their performance as evidence of their readiness. The upcoming match marks England's return to the Azteca Stadium 40 years after their 1986 World Cup quarter-final defeat to Argentina, a game remembered for Diego Maradona's controversial 'Hand of God' goal and his subsequent iconic solo effort.
