Aguirre: Mexico relishes opening-match, Group A challenges

(GSM) – Mexico coach Javier Aguirre relished the opportunity to play in the World Cup’s opening match after being drawn into Group A with hosts South Africa, Uruguay and France on Friday.

Speaking with American television, Aguirre said it was very crucial for his team to get off to a strong start in the opening game in an effort to show the world their skill.

“I’m very excited about the first game,” Aguirre said. “For our country, it’s very important to show the world that we are capable of doing goo things in the World Cup.

“Playing against the host, South Africa, It’s a great opportunity to show our skills.”

There is history between the two sides, as they have met three times before. South Africa beat Mexico in the group stage of the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Mexico won previous friendlies in 2000 and 1993. All three games have been played in the USA.

Aguirre also recognized the World Cup quality and history in the group as South Africa are coached by former World Cup winner Carlos Alberto Parreira, and both Uruguay (1930, 1950) and France (1998) have won the tournament before.

“We have a very tough group with former World Cup winners. And Mr. Parreira is a World Cup winner,” Aguirre said. “It’s a very special group because we all play different styles.”

South Africa and Mexico meet in the opening match on 10 June in Johannesburg.