Javier Aguirre said Mexico’s reward for winning Group A with a 1-0 win against South Korea will be the “amazing” prospect of playing at the “volcano” of the Estadio Azteca in the Round of 32.
Luis Romo’s second-half goal against the Koreans in Guadalajara secured victory for El Tri and ensured that Aguirre’s team will qualify for the knockout stage as group winners.
Topping Group A means Mexico will play their Round of 32 tie in the spiritual home in Mexico City, with the prospect of a Round of 16 fixture at the same venue if they progress.
And Aguirre, who was a member of the last Mexico team to reach the World Cup quarterfinals when the nation last hosted the tournament in 1986, said that playing at the Azteca is a huge advantage for his players.
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“I don’t like to depend on others; if you don’t do the talk, nobody else will do it for you,” Aguirre told reporters. “But the players knew that if we won [against South Korea], we would be top and play at the Azteca, which is amazing for us.
“The Azteca factor is quite significant. Forty years ago, the stadium was like a volcano.
“Playing there involves the whole Mexican republic, so of course I am happy. “We are guaranteed to play two more matches on home territory and if we continue to progress, who knows how far we can go?”
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This is Aguirre’s third World Cup as Mexico coach, having previously managed the team in 2002 and 2010. And he said that his experience and age – he is now 67 – has enabled him to become a calmer and more relaxed coach at this World Cup.
“Why are we strong now? The team’s head coach [Aguirre] is much cooler and more relaxed, more serene,” he said.
“We were joking the other day and [Guillermo] Ochoa said I wouldn’t be like this in other World Cups, but now I don’t mind them using their smartphones all the time.
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“Last time, I was fixated on that, but now I don’t waste my time on things like that anymore. I am now more relaxed as a coach.
“Now we are 11 [in the FIFA rankings], but I want my players to believe we can sneak into the top ten in the world.”
