The two favorite teams in Group C, Mexico and Uruguay, will face-off this Sunday, June 5, 2016 (5:00 PM Pacific) at the University of Phoenix Stadium in a game expected to be entertaining to its core.
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Mexico might have its best team ever to compete in the Copa America, and the opening game will be against a Uruguay team without their best player.
However, Schaefer believes his team, which improved to make the final of the Gold Cup weeks later, used the tournament to build valuable experience for moments like these. With the tournament being played in Mexico’s backyard, El Tri has its best opportunity to finally bring home the Copa America.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Suarez played”, said Osorio, who promised to be prepared, perhaps with an unusual lineup featuring three center backs in Rafael Marquez, Hector Moreno and Diego Reyes.
Grant, who scored the victor in the friendly against Chile, is a late call-up for the injured Simon Dawkins, but he said he’s ready to go. Both of them played against each other in England and are very physical.
The Uruguayan hobbled off the pitch during the 57th minute of the match leaving his team to contend against a tough Sevilla side over whom they eventually won. Do you think the national anthem confusion took them off their game?
The immediate diagnosis from the club’s medical team was that the La Liga top scorer could only join up with his Uruguay teammates during the knockout stages of the COA – if they reach there.
‘[Suarez] is one of the top five forwards in the world, ‘ said Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio ahead of the game. We have to work even harder. They haven’t got some impressive victories in the worldwide stage to convince doubters from not overlooking the team’s chances.
The first matches of Copa America Group C action get underway on Sunday.
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But inside when Mexico take on Uruguay the coach will be thrilled not to have to worry about the striker’s threat.
