Mexico looking to surprise world in Russia – Mijares
MORE THAN 30,000 Mexicans are expected to be in Russia for the 2018 World Cup. While Juan José Gonzáles Mijares, the Mexican ambassador to Jamaica, will not be among the number, he feels that ‘El Tricolor’ stands a reasonable, if not spectacular, chance of lifting the trophy come July 14.
“Mexico has been one of the most consistent teams since 1950. We have been to six straight World Cups since USA 1994 and will be looking to surprise the world in Russia,”Gonzáles Mijares said.
“We have a very competitive team, and we do not fear any other country at all,” he said.
They will have to contend with the likes of the defending champions Germany in a Group F match tomorrow.
“We are in a tough group. We will come up against Germany, and we are hoping for a great start against them. That game will be played at the Luzhniki Stadium and perhaps create that surprise moment,” Gonzáles Mijares reasoned.
The ambassador said that Sweden and South Korea, the other Group F teams, would not be easy either, but he noted that it might be a lot easier taking points from them than against the methodical Germans.
Winning or even placing second in the group means that Mexico could set up a secondround clash with one of the pre-World Cup favourites, Brazil, but Gonzáles Mijares said that he had no fears about that possibility. “We will play whoever we have to play, and, hopefully, do well enough to progress,” he said.
Their sixth-place finish at home in the 1986 edition is still their best placing. But in Russia, they are hoping for a better showing, according to Gonzáles Mijares.
“I am aware of this Brazil team. They are very strong, but Mexico has a good team that will also be challenging. So if Mexico wins the World Cup, it would be like travelling to Mars and Neptune. It will be out of this world,” said Gonzáles Mijares.