Aguirre - looking to progress. (Allsport)
MEXICO EYE LAST 16
Click here to place your World Cup bets!
Click here for Mexico team section
Click here for teams index
Click here for latest World Cup headlines
Click here for World Cup photo gallery
Click here for World Cup Bettingzone
Mexico can clinch a place in the last 16 of the World Cup with victory against Ecuador on Sunday.
Three points against the South American's in Miyagi will guarantee them a place in the second round for the fourth time in their last five appearances.
And with Italy to follow, Javier Aguirre's men will be keen to wrap up qualification before they meet the Azzurri on June 13.
They go into the clash with history on their side.
Since 1983 the sides have faced each other eight times, with Mexico winning four and drawing three.
However, midfielder Gerardo Torrado says Mexico cannot take the World Cup debutants lightly.
He said: "Ecuador will be working hard because it is the first World Cup and they will try to win a game."
Aguirre is set to make one change from the side who beat Croatia 1-0 in their Group G opener.
Midfielder Johan Rodriguez returns following a one-match ban and is likely to replace Gabriel Caballero or Sigfrido Mercado.
Meanwhile, Aguirre has been confirmed as coach of Primera Liga side Osasuna next season.
The 44-year-old returns to Pamplona, where he spent time as a player, after the World Cup.
Alejandro Burillo, head of the national Mexican team, said: "He knows Osasuna and he is going there."
Ecuador know they have to claim three points to extend their stay in Japan and Korea past the group stage.
The 2-0 defeat by Italy in their opening match means Hernan Gomez's team have to win.
Injured captain Alex Aguinaga is adamant his side can still make the next phase.
He said: "Many see us dead but it is not so, we are very much alive."
The experienced midfielder has a muscle injury in his right thigh picked up in the match against Italy.
Striker Jaime Kaviedes is set to take Aguinaga's place in the team with Agustin Delgado and Carlos Tenorio set to play up front.
|
