Japan vs Mexico - Football: 2013 Confederations Cup, Group A
Mexico team carried their disappointing form in CONCACAF qualifying to this tournament. A 2-1 loss to Italy suggested the side were much better than they actually were. They were a little bit livelier against Brazil, but still ineffective. Mexico have not managed a single goal from open play.
The results in this competition have seen Mexico only win one match in their last 11 matches. In their last eight games there have been only two goals from open play scored by Mexican players; while also drawing nine from 13 in all competitions. Javier Hernandez, who scored their only goal so far in Brazil, appears to be the only real goal threat Mexico have available to them, the Manchester United forward has scored five of their last seven goalsJose Manuel de la Torre has no new injury worries at the moment, but he could make several changes to the starting line-up with Carlos Salcido set to return to left back and Jesus Zavala coming back into midfield.
Japan entered the competition with a disappointing 3-0 loss to Brazil but looked better in Wednesday's seven goal thriller against Italy. The 4-3 loss was unfortunate as Japan had taken an early two-goal lead but were beaten in the 86th minute when Sebastian Giovinco netted the winner. Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa have looked especially lively and will start their side confidently against Mexico.
Match date: 22 June 2013 - Kick Off Time: 21:00 CET
Venue: Mineirão Stadium - Belo Horizante
Venue: Mineirão Stadium - Belo Horizante
Possible line-ups:
Japan: Manager: Alberto Zaccheroni (4-2-3-1): Kawashima – Uchida, Konno, Yoshida, Nagatomo – Endo, Hosogai – Kiyotake, Honda, Kagawa – Havenaar.
Mexico: Manager: Jose de la Torre (4-2-3-1): Corona – Mier, Rodriguez, Moreno, Salcido – Torrado, Herrera – Barrera, Dos Santos, Guardado – Hernandez.
Mexico: Manager: Jose de la Torre (4-2-3-1): Corona – Mier, Rodriguez, Moreno, Salcido – Torrado, Herrera – Barrera, Dos Santos, Guardado – Hernandez.