Mexico to Hold Portugal to Draw Match

Portugal and Mexico will step out onto the pitch in Gelsenkirchen on June 21 for their last group-match. Mexico is looking a draw to get one point and leisurely go through to the next stages.

There is no need for Portugal to be afraid of meeting Netherlands in the round of 16. They have met once in Euro 2004 and Netherlands was defeated 2-1 in the semifinal. Portugal , can rest easy, knowing that they have booked their passage through to the excitement and drama of the last 16.

However, realizing that facing Argentina at this moment is not good at all, Portuguese coach Luiz Felipe Scolari and his men decided to fight for the pole position of Group D if Argentina snatches top of Group C.

Its opponent, Mexico , also wants to avoid meeting Netherlands , who would cause a lot of troubles by showing a speedy and pressing performance. As for the representative of CONCACAF, Argentina is likely a good choice for the next rounds for they have met for times and Mexico ’s coach Ricardo La Volpe is Argentina-born.  

While Argentina and Netherlands will be likely to have a draw match, another draw may open up a whole range of possibilities for both Portugal and Mexico . Then, Mexico will be mathematically sure to own the second ticket.

Armando Petit and Nuno Gomes will be set to play in the middle field instead of Deco and Pauleta, who received their bookings in the 2-0 triumph over Iran in their opening fixture.

Portugal and Mexico have met once before, ending goalless in a friendly on 6 April 1969.

Colors for the game:

Portugal : Red shirts, red shorts, red socks.
Mexico : White shirts, green shorts, white socks.  

Probable Squad