MEXICO CITY, June 30 — Mexico will need a near-faultless display to beat Ecuador when the teams meet in the World Cup round of 32, head coach Javier Aguirre said on Monday.
The co-host reached the knockout phase by winning all three of its group-stage games, while Ecuador advanced as one of the eight best third-placed teams after a 2-1 win over Germany. “We are aware that we have a country backing us, which is highly, highly encouraging and motivating,” Aguirre told a news conference ahead of Tuesday’s match at Mexico City Stadium. Ecuador qualified for the tournament by finishing second in the South American qualifiers, ahead of Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay and Paraguay.
Aguirre praised Ecuador manager Sebastian Beccacece and said the match would provide the sternest test yet for his team. “I expect a very intense Ecuador team,” he said. “That is how Beccacece’s teams are: very intense, with very high pressing, very committed when tracking back, very combative in one-on-one duels.” “They are among the best of the 48 participating teams. They are very brave, just like their manager. All I can say is that we will have to play an almost perfect match to remain in the competition.” Mexico is aiming for its first win in the World Cup knockout phase since 1986, when Aguirre was part of the team that reached the quarterfinals on home soil.
Aguirre is in his third spell as Mexico’s manager, having also been in charge at the 2002 and 2010 World Cups. In both tournaments El Tri was eliminated in the round of 16. “I made mistakes. I’m certain that I made mistakes in both cases, and I will certainly keep on making mistakes throughout my career because you’re here to learn,” he said. “What matters most is that you do not make the same mistakes.”
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