Mexicans make fair play pledge

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre insisted his side will play for a win in Tuesday’s meeting with Uruguay, despite knowing a draw will be enough to put both sides into the last 16.

The situation in the group has led to fears that the match could degenerate into a tame stalemate which would allow both Latin American countries to advance and carve France and South Africa out of the tournament.

“This is the first time I have heard anything about some kind of implicit pact but we are going to go out there to try and win,” Aguirre said after his side’s eve-of-match training session at the Royal Bafokeng stadium.

“Let us hope football will be the winner, that there will be a robust match and that the best side will win.

“If as a consequence of what happens on the pitch there is a draw and both sides qualify we will both be happy. But I can assure you we will both be going for a win.”

Aguirre, who coached Mexico at the 2002 finals and as a player was a member of the squad that reached the 1986 quarter-finals, added: “I don’t need to say anything to my players, they know what is at stake.

“This is a very open group, no-one has a ticket for the last 16. We’re cool, calm and collected and we are only thinking about winning tomorrow. Let us see if we can do it.”

A draw on Tuesday would leave Uruguay and Mexico both on five points, out of reach of both France and South Africa, and the Uruguayans would top the group on goal difference.

“Up until now, Uruguay has been the best team in the group so we need to be highly motivated against them,” Aguirre added. “That’s what we tried to convey to my players, we need those three points tomorrow.”

The fact that the side which finishes second in the group is likely to face Argentina provides an incentive for Mexico to try and win the match, but Aguirre would not be drawn on speculating about potential match-ups in the knockout stage.

“We have to try and impose our game and our style, try to do better than Uruguay. After we’ve done that I can answer any questions. At the moment we have nothing. This group stage is not over yet.”

Mexico will be without injured striker Carlos Vela and suspended defender Efrain Juarez.