The Toronto crowd is in for a treat on Thursday when Mexico and
Portugal, two of the most attractive teams at the FIFA U-20-World
Cup Canada 2007, cross swords at the National Soccer Stadium. Both
sides won plaudits for imposing opening displays, underlining their
strong credentials as potential trophy candidates. There is plenty
to play for in Toronto too, as a win for either side would
guarantee a place in the Round of 16.
The match
Mexico v Portugal, Toronto, 5 July, 19.45 (local time)
The stakes
Both teams are well aware that victory automatically means
qualification for the next round. The sides turned in impressive
opening displays, Mexico brushing aside Gambia 3-0 in a clear
statement of their title ambitions. The Mexican line-up largely
comprises players who went to Peru for the FIFA U-17 World Cup two
years ago and duly came away with the trophy. The young Mexicans
know each other inside out, form a harmonious unit, and are hungry
for success. The Portuguese boast a crop of outstanding
individuals, although their victory over minnows New Zealand was
unexpectedly hard work, despite captain Bruno Gama's brace.
The players
Both teams are at full strength, with neither coach likely to
change a winning team from the opening match. Mexico's Patricio
Araujo and Portugal's Mano and Fabio Coentrao collected yellow
cards in the first match.
The past
One milestone will be passed on Thursday as the fixture will
be Mexico's 40th match at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. The first
was a 6-0 victory against Tunisia on 27 June 1977. It is also the
400th FIFA U-20 World Cup match featuring a European team. The
first such meeting also took place 30 years ago when France fell
2-1 to Spain. Mexico and Portugal met at the quarter-final stage of
the 1991 FIFA U-20 World Cup, a match the Lusitanians won 2-1 in
extra time courtesy of a Toni strike on 101 minutes. The score and
the outcome was the same when the senior teams met at the group
stage of the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™.
The words
"We've come here to win the World Cup, but we'll
have to improve further if we're to achieve our goal."
Jesus Ramirez, Mexico coach.
"We've come here looking to win every game, including
the final. Hopefully, on the way there I'll score more
goals."
Bruno Gama, Portugal captain
"If we can carry on where we left off against Gambia, we
could even win the tournament. We just have to stick together and
stay motivated."
Giovanni dos Santos, Mexico striker.
"We're playing well as a team, but it'll be a
tough match against Portugal because they have some excellent
players. It'll be hard work and we'll need our share of
luck."
Patricio Araujo, Mexico captain.
