The Road to Russia 2018 Starts Friday for the Mexican National Team and El Salvador
By Francisco Romero
Before 2015 ends, the Mexican National Team will play two scheduled elimination games to start its road to Russia 2018.
On Friday Mexico will face El Salvador at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City followed by a game in Honduras as visitors on Tuesday November 17th.
In the first phase of elimination play Mexico is part of CONCACAF’s Group A along with El Salvador, Honduras and Canada.
El Salvador is trying to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1982.
El Salvador’s recently hired head coach Ramon Maradiaga is confident his team will fight to advance, “For us, anything that happens is a plus and we are going to play with an attitude of knowing that there is no invincible team,” said Maradiaga. “We are aware of the players that Mexico has, but they can make mistakes just the same. If we pay attention during the match, there will be things of which we can take advantage.”
Friday’s game will also be the first one for newly hired head coach, Colombian born Juan Carlos Osorio.
During a press conference Osorio talked about the benefit and importance of playing at Estadio Azteca, “I have very good knowledge of the history that this stadium has,” he said, “The combination of a well-known team along with the playing in this venue gives me a passionate sensation never felt before.”
Osorio added that “El Tri” has to take advantage of playing at home and make the most out of it.
Mexico’s Alfredo Talavera also expressed that being the home team should give Mexico and advantage, “That is the way it should be,” he said. “The altitude, the fans, we have to take advantage of all that and make the most out of it.”
Mexico enters the game ranked No. 24 in the latest FIFA rankings, while El Salvador is ranked No. 94.
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