Before the FIFA World Cup knockout match against England, Mexico striker Raul Himenez said that the team will have to remain focused throughout the match. This match will be held at the Azteca Stadium, where it will be a big challenge for England to deal with the excellent record and height of the host team.
Mexico City [मेक्सिको]July 5 (ANI): Ahead of the team’s FIFA World Cup round of 16 clash against England, Mexico striker Raul Himenez, a Premier League player with Fulham and currently at Wolverhampton Wanderers, said this is a clash against the Three Lions in which he needs to “stay focused from start to finish”. Co-hosts Mexico will aim to continue their impressive home performance at the iconic Azteca Stadium and upset England by taking advantage of their aggressive gameplay and the venue’s high altitude. Both the teams will clash for a place in the quarter-finals on July 6 at 5:30 am IST.
Speaking to the press before the match, as reported by Reuters, Himénez said, “This is a match where we have to be focused from beginning to end.” He added, “I think that commitment has shown in every game, how completely involved we are. I’m really happy to be a part of it.”
The match will feature a number of prominent former and current Premier League stars such as Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, but he said he has not spoken to players from the opposition before the match because he “doesn’t know them well.” “I haven’t messaged them, because I don’t know them very well. I’ve swapped shirts with a few, but that’s about it,” Himenez said.
Big challenge for England in Azteca
Mexico will head into their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash against England at the Estadio Azteca with an excellent home record – one that underlines the challenge facing the Harry Kane-led England side. This match against England is to be held on July 6 at 5:30 am Indian time.
Since first playing at the ground in 1966, Mexico have lost only twice in competitive matches at the Estadio Azteca, reflecting its reputation as one of the toughest away grounds in football. In 89 matches played here, they have recorded 70 wins and 17 draws, showing their dominance at home for decades. England now face a tough test when they take on the hosts in front of their home crowd, and Mexico’s strong record at the Azteca makes this knockout tie even more important.
Another challenge for England will be the high altitude conditions of the Estadio Azteca, where the pitch is located approximately 7,220 feet (2,240 m) above sea level. The thinner air at this altitude reduces oxygen levels for players and the ball also travels faster and farther than at lower altitude venues such as the Atlanta Stadium (312 meters above sea level), where England faced DR Congo in the Round of 32. (ANI)
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