Mexico and England meet at Azteca with quarterfinal place at stake
Mexico host England in a World Cup last-16 tie shaped by altitude, history and Harry Kane’s late rescue act in the previous round.
By Sofia Marchetti · World Affairs Correspondent
3 min read
Mexico and England meet Sunday at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City for a place in the World Cup quarterfinals. The last-16 match carries extra weight because Mexico are playing at home after ending a long knockout drought, while England arrive under pressure despite topping their group.
Al Jazeera reported that kickoff is scheduled for 6pm local time in Mexico City, which is 00:00 GMT on Monday. The winner will face Brazil or Norway in Miami on Saturday, July 11, according to the report.
How they got here
Mexico reached the last 16 after winning Group A with nine points, Al Jazeera reported. Javier Aguirre’s side beat South Africa, South Korea and Czechia before defeating Ecuador 2-0 in the round of 32, Mexico’s first World Cup knockout victory since 1986.
Al Jazeera reported that more than a million people took to the streets in Mexico after the Ecuador win. The celebrations grew after England were confirmed as Mexico’s next opponent.
England won Group L with seven points, according to Al Jazeera. Thomas Tuchel’s team beat Croatia and Panama, drew 0-0 with Ghana, then came from behind late to beat the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1 in the round of 32.
Harry Kane scored twice against DR Congo, rescuing England when they were about 15 minutes from elimination, Al Jazeera reported. England entered the tournament ranked fourth by FIFA but have not yet produced the level expected of them, according to the outlet’s assessment.
Altitude and history frame the tie
Azteca Stadium sits 2,240 metres, or 7,350 feet, above sea level, Al Jazeera reported. The altitude could affect players’ breathing and the way the ball travels, while Mexico are also expected to have strong crowd support at one of football’s best-known venues.
The stadium hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals. It is also remembered by England supporters as the site of the 1986 quarterfinal against Argentina, when Diego Maradona scored the disputed “Hand of God” goal in a 2-1 England defeat.
Tuchel said at Saturday’s pre-match news conference that the setting felt fitting for the occasion. “I felt straight away that this will be a proper World Cup match for tomorrow,” he said, according to Al Jazeera. “We are in an iconic place, an iconic stadium.”
Aguirre pointed to England’s individual quality before the match. “They have major players who play both inside and outside the country,” he said, according to Al Jazeera. “They’re pretty powerful, physically speaking, and they’re great players.”
Form, odds and team news
Opta’s supercomputer gives England a 40.6 percent chance of winning in normal time, Al Jazeera reported. Mexico’s chance is listed at 31.5 percent, with a 27.9 percent probability that the match goes to extra time and possibly penalties.
England will be without defenders Jarrell Quansah, who has an ankle injury, and Reece James, who has a hamstring injury, according to Al Jazeera. Mexico have no reported injury concerns.
The match will be only the second World Cup meeting between the countries, Al Jazeera reported. England won the first 2-0 in the group stage in 1966, the year they won their only world title, and also won four straight friendlies against Mexico between 1986 and 2010.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.