Gelsenkirchen, Germany (My Sportsbook) - Mexico will aim for its fourth straight second-round appearance as it takes the field against Portugal Wednesday in Gelsenkirchen. The Mexican squad, led by veteran Claudio Surez, sits in second place in Group D with four points through two matches. The team earned a win in its opening match against Iran and a draw in its second with Angola. Mexico needs at least a tie to reserve a spot in the Round of 16, while a win to clinch first place in Group D. Even a loss could see the Central American team through if Angola is defeated by Iran. If Angola wins, the first tiebreaker is goal difference. Mexico currently holds a three-goal advantage. Portugal head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari will most likely rest Deco, Costinha and Pauleta. The three players are all one yellow card shy of a suspension. Mexico will be without striker Jared Borgetti. The 33-year-old Bolton forward sustained a hamstring injury in Mexico's first group match against Iran. "He cannot play for this game against Portugal," trainer Milton Graniolatti told FIFA's website after the team's midday training session on Monday. "But there's hope he will play in the next game." Wednesday's match marks the second meeting between the two teams. They finished in a scoreless draw in an international friendly on April 6, 1969. |
