(Getty)
Mexicoo are looking to earn their first win in Confederations Cup group play against New Zealand.
Mexico came away with a draw in their opener, thanks to last-second heroics from Hector Moreno. Mexico came from behind and ended with a 2-2 draw, and the result showed that Mexico is capable of competing with top talent at this tournament. But if they want a shot at Germany or a rematch with Chile, they’ll need to advance out of Group A.
That’s why Wednesday’s meeting with New Zealand is so important. Russia already beat New Zealand, and Portugal is also expected to pick up three points from the All Whites. Mexico need to follow suit and take three points, or risk falling behind in the standings.
It’s not easy to play the hosts in the opening match of the tournament, and New Zealand were no exception. They were handled by Russia on Saturday, and have a grim outlook for the next round. Manager Anthony Hudson used a 3-4-3 in the opener, with the most notable name perhaps being Leeds striker Chris Wood.
Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Eastern, and lineups will be posted one hour before kickoff.
Here are the basics:
DATE: Wednesday, June 21, 2017
CHANNEL: Fox Sports 1
KICKOFF TIME: 2:00 p.m. Eastern
LOCATION: Fisht Olympic Stadium
LIVE STREAM: Click here for all live streaming information
LINEUP
Mexico: Talavera, Alanis, Reyes, Araujo, Salcedo, Fabian, Damm, Dos Santos, Peralta, Jimenez, Aquino
New Zealand: Marinovic, Wynne, Boxall, McGlinchey, Wood, Rojas, Thomas, Lewis, Ingham, Smith, Durante