MEXICO CITY — Ahead of their World Cup round of 16 match on Sunday, Mexico's players are determined to make it the "best game of our lives" against England at the iconic Azteca Stadium. With a remarkable record of only two losses in 89 matches here, Mexico aims to leverage home support to advance in the tournament.
Mexico's Strong Azteca Record
The Mexico men's national team boasts an impressive history at the Azteca Stadium, having lost just two out of 89 matches. The defeats occurred in 2001 against Costa Rica and in 2013 against Honduras. In this World Cup, Mexico has already triumphed in three matches at this venue, defeating:
- South Africa: 2-0
- Czechia: 3-0
- Ecuador: 2-0
As Mexico prepares to face England, midfielder Álvaro Fidalgo acknowledges the challenges ahead, especially with the altitude of 2,200 meters (7,220 feet) impacting gameplay. "England knows it's going to be a difficult match for them," Fidalgo stated, highlighting the significance of the home advantage.
Players Ready for the Challenge
Veteran forward Raúl Jiménez expressed confidence in the team's unity, stating, "Everything we've seen over these weeks... is that we're all united." He emphasized the importance of the fans in the stadium, who can motivate the team to perform at their best. Jiménez noted, "It's always important. It's not just because it's England, it's because it's the World Cup. We want to make it the best game of our lives."
