Mexico's manager Javier Aguirre has dismissed the significance of altitude as his team prepares to face England in the World Cup round-of-16 match at Azteca Stadium on Sunday. Aguirre emphasized that discussions regarding the match's kickoff time and environmental factors have not affected his squad's focus.
Mexico's Historic Performance at Azteca Stadium
The Azteca Stadium, located at an altitude of 7,220 feet, has been a fortress for the Mexican national team, with only two losses in its history. Aguirre noted the importance of playing in front of a passionate home crowd, which could give Mexico an edge, despite his reluctance to emphasize altitude as a factor.
Aguirre stated, "English players, historically speaking, are pretty nimble and fast. They have major players who play both inside and outside the country, so they’re powerful, physically speaking." He acknowledged the evolution of England's playing style under manager Gareth Southgate and the impact of Thomas Tuchel on their tactics.
Controversy Over Kickoff Time Change
Just 48 hours before the match, there were discussions about moving the kickoff time from 6 p.m. local time to noon due to forecast thunderstorms. Aguirre expressed his dissatisfaction with this potential change, calling it a "kick in the gut" and stating, "I didn’t like it at all." He explained his concerns during a press appearance, emphasizing the inconvenience of last-minute adjustments.
