Mexico boss Osorio tries to dispel row over homophobic chant

Mexico head coach Juan Carlos Osorio insists the country's fans do not aim to "generate violence" with a homophobic chant that could once again bring them into conflict with FIFA.

During the 1-1 World Cup qualification draw with the United States earlier this month at the Estadio Azteca, visiting goalkeeper Brad Guzan was subjected to shouts of 'puto' when he cleared the ball – a slur that has seen world football's governing body cite Mexico eight times over the past 18 months.

A new directive introduced for the Confederations Cup, where Mexico face New Zealand in Group A on Wednesday after a thrilling 2-2 draw against European champions Portugal in their opening match, gives referees the power to withdraw teams from the field and even abandon the game if offensive chants are identified and do not stop after a warning over the stadium public address system.

Despite regular punishment from the authorities, there remains apologists in Mexico who claim the 'puto' chant is more of a traditional football taunt than the homophobic abuse it stands as in the present context.

Colombian Osorio appeared to show sympathy with this viewpoint as he sought to play the role of mediator in a pre-match news conference at Fisht Stadium.

While Mexico boast superior quality in their squad, they cannot afford to be complacent against New Zealand.

The two sides met most recently in a friendly in October 2016 and Mexico narrowly prevailed 2-1.

If Juan Carlos Osorio's side are to earn a comfortable win that will give them the best chance of advancing to the semi-finals, they need to get ahead early.

Fortunately, forwards Carlos Vela and Javier Hernandez both look in decent form and should be able to exploit any weaknesses in the New Zealand defence.

Vela netted an excellent goal against the United States in a FIFA World Cup qualifier ahead of the Confederations Cup.

And Hernandez scored Mexico's first against Portugal, a typically opportunistic finish from Chicharito which took his international tally to 48, per Squawka.

Anthony Hudson's New Zealand side were beaten fairly comfortably by Russia in their opening match, and they will need to be a lot tighter defensively if they are to limit Mexico.

The All Whites' defensive shape was poor against the hosts, and they looked vulnerable to long balls and at set pieces.

Their marking also left plenty to be desired, and they will need to be much sharper to avoid being opened up by the likes of Hernandez and Vela.

Mexico have a decent record at the Confederations Cup having won it in 1999 and reached the last four in 1995 and 2005.

The Portugal match was their toughest group clash on paper and they did well to come away with a point.

A convincing win over New Zealand would set El Tri up brilliantly for their final match against Russia as they look to book their spot in the knockout rounds.