Monday 16 April 2018, 06:31

Pardo: Germany are the best mentally

  • Pavel Pardo helped Mexico win the FIFA Confederations Cup in 1999

  • He believes Germany's mental strength is incomparable

  • Pardo believes El Tri must have more self-belief

Pavel Pardo has hailed Germany’s mental strength and told Mexico they must improve their own if they are to cause an upset in the sides’ 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ curtain-raiser.

“The most important thing in football is what goes through the mind,” said the 146-times-capped former Mexico midfielder. “Germany know that mentally they are the best. With this they know they will overcome their rivals.”

“Technically Mexico are strong. But Mexico must convince themselves [they can win].”

Pardo is aptly qualified to judge German football. He spent two-and-a-half seasons at Stuttgart, playing a fundamental role in their Bundesliga conquest in his first, and also won two of his 146 caps against Germany.

The first was in a 2-1 loss in the Round of 16 at France 1998. The second was at the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2005, when they lost 4-3 after extra-time in Hanover. Pardo helped Mexico stunningly win the latter competition in 1999.

Germany and Mexico have Sweden and Korea Republic for company in Group F.

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