But there is still plenty on the line when the teams meet Monday night. They were the only team who had yet to pick up a victory in the first six matches of qualifying and had only picked up a draw. In a match few predicted would be for the chance to top group C and most likely avoid tournament favorites Argentina in the quarterfinals, the teams will look for finish the group stage with a ideal mark and momentum heading into the knockout stage.
Advertisement
Mexico and Venezuela collide tonight to determine the Centenario’s Group C victor.
Even though Osorio could use the game against Venezuela to continue strengthening the backline of three, which he has selected to go with from the start in his first two games in the Copa, he might decide to play only two center-backs because Venezuela tends to play with one sole striker up top.
Mexico can generally count on friendly crowds wherever they play in the United States, but few venues are as hospitable as NRG Stadium.
But Vinotinto striker Josef Martinez, the matchwinner against Jamaica, insists Venezuela fear no team.
It requires at least a goal to win any game and tasked with the job today, as has been the case since the start of the competition, will be a possible starting 11 of Andre Blake in goal, backed by captain Adrian Mariappa at right back and Je-Vaughn Watson at left back.
This is where Venezuela has blossomed, catching teams unattentive on the counter to produce strong chances.
Advertisement
“Sometimes we’re our own worst enemy, because we get exasperated”, Corona said after El Tri’s wobbly performance in their fortunate 2-0 win over Jamaica. On defense they should be compact be tight on any gaps Mexico look to attack. Will they be able to breakdown what what is expected to be a very compact Venezuela with havin so much of the ball? Also, Mexico knows of the importance of finishing first in the hopes to avoid Argentina and they can achieve that with a draw or a win. His presence in the XI is something Osorio might be contemplating because Guardado has become El Tri’s most important midfielder.
