Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.
MERCURIAL Mexico host a troubled Cameroon in their World Cup Group A opener in Natal on Saturday (EST) looking to take the first step towards an eventual first appearance in the quarter-finals in nearly 30 years.
Now coached by colourful Miguel Herrera, who missed out on playing for Mexico at USA '94 after being dropped for punching a photographer, Mexico have in recent editions failed to live up to expectations.
In the past five tournaments the Aztecs have failed to get to the 'fifth game' and make the quarter-finals they last reached as hosts in 1986 when they bowed out 4-1 on penalties to West Germany.
Cameroon's German coach Volker Finke and Mexico's head coach Miguel Herrera. Source: AFP
But despite that result, Mexico have hardly lit up the world footballing stage of late, losing their last two friendlies 1-0 to Bosnia and Portugal.
In the latter encounter, Mexico spurned a host of chances and when they took their eye off the ball late on Bruno Alves struck the winner for Portugal in the 93rd minute.
"We haven't been that convincing when facing goal, so we have to work on it," said Herrera.
"We have to work on keeping focus all the way to the finish. We can't be losing games in the last 30 seconds."
Mexico, noted for their 5-3-2 formation which focuses heavily on the running of the wingbacks, will however look to capitalise on the internal strife that has simmered within the Cameroon camp.
Samuel Eto'o is still feared among international defenders. Source: AFP
A deal was finally reached, but the episode has enhanced the general feeling that the 'Indomitable Lions' will whimper and not roar their way through a group which includes Croatia and hosts Brazil.
Like Mexico, Cameroon endured a tough qualifying campaign that again underlined the central African country's reputation for internal strife.
Much of that in recent years has revolved around superstar Samuel Eto'o, whom the Cameroon federation once issued with a lengthy ban.
Enoh Eyong takes on the Germany defence in a rercent friendly. Source: AP
"He is an experienced player and a handful to deal with," said Brazil skipper Thiago Silva.
"In the Champions League he wasn't 100 percent but he made his presence felt. He has impressive technical abilities and is lethal in the box.
"He is the striker who most worries me."
Finke, who spent 16 years in charge of German over-achievers Freiburg, will be hoping there is still something to play for by the time they meet Brazil on June 23 in Brasilia.
Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang
Underachieving Mexico face scoring issues
Dengan url
http://sportlivestyle.blogspot.com/2014/06/underachieving-mexico-face-scoring.html
Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya
Underachieving Mexico face scoring issues
namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link
Underachieving Mexico face scoring issues
sebagai sumbernya
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar