World Cup
Ochoa set for sixth World Cup as Mexico name squad
Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa is set to become the first Mexican player to feature at six World Cups after the 40-year-old was named in Javier Aguirre’s squad for the tournament on Sunday.
Ochoa, who made his World Cup debut in Germany in 2006, has seen limited action for the national team in recent years but has been called up as Aguirre combines experience and youth in his 26-man squad.
Captain Edson Alvarez and striker Raul Jimenez also bring experience, while emerging talents such as Guadalajara forward Armando Gonzalez and teenage midfielder Gilberto Mora.
At 17, Mora is set to become the youngest player to represent Mexico at a World Cup, while U.S.-developed dual nationals Obed Vargas and Brian Gutierrez are among the younger players in the squad.
Aguirre has also picked Spain-born midfielder Alvaro Fidalgo and Colombia-born forward Julian Quinones, two naturalised players who have become regulars of the national team setup.
Mexico, who reached the quarter-finals when they last hosted the World Cup in 1986, are co-hosting the June 11 to July 19 tournament with the U.S. and Canada.
Aguirre will lead the national team at the World Cup for a third time after leading them at the 2002 and 2010 editions.
Mexico play a final warm-up against Serbia on Thursday before playing South Africa in the World Cup opener at Estadio Azteca on June 11.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Raul Rangel, Guillermo Ochoa, Carlos Acevedo.
Defenders: Jorge Sánchez, Israel Reyes, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo, Mateo Chávez.
Midfielders: Erik Lira, Orbelin Pineda, Alvaro Fidalgo, Brian Gutierrez, Luis Romo, Edson Alvarez, Obed Vargas, Gilberto Mora, Luis Chavez.
Forwards: Roberto Alvarado, Cesar Huerta, Alexis Vega, Julian Quinones, Guillermo Martinez, Armando Gonzalez, Santiago Gimenez, Raul Jimenez.
-Reuters
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Uruguay will look to maintain their unbeaten FIFA World Cup record against African opposition when they take on tournament debutants Cabo Verde in a crucial Group H encounter on Sunday.
The two-time world champions face a Cabo Verde side brimming with confidence after the island nation earned a remarkable goalless draw against Spain in their previous outing, one of the biggest results in their football history.
Uruguay have never lost to an African team at the World Cup, recording three victories and two draws in five previous meetings. However, the South Americans know they cannot afford complacency against a Cabo Verde side that has already demonstrated its ability to frustrate established football powers.
For Cabo Verde, the match represents another opportunity to enhance their growing reputation on the global stage. The Blue Sharks impressed observers with their disciplined defensive display against Spain and will be eager to prove that result was no fluke.
Uruguay, meanwhile, will rely on their vast World Cup experience as they seek maximum points and a stronger foothold in the race for a place in the knockout rounds.
With confidence high in both camps, the clash promises to be a fascinating contest between one of football’s traditional giants and one of the tournament’s most inspiring newcomers.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Spain will attempt to strengthen their position in Group H when they face Saudi Arabia in a FIFA World Cup encounter that rekindles memories of their previous meeting two decades ago.
The two nations last met at the World Cup during the 2006 tournament in Germany, when a solitary goal from Juanito secured a 1-0 victory for Spain in Kaiserslautern.
La Roja enter the fixture determined to return to winning ways after being held to a surprise draw by tournament debutants Cabo Verde. The Spanish side will be keen to avoid another setback as the group stage enters a decisive phase.
Saudi Arabia, however, have ambitions of creating history. The Green Falcons are seeking their first World Cup victory against European opposition since their memorable 1-0 triumph over Belgium at the 1994 tournament in the United States.
A positive result would significantly boost Saudi Arabia’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stage while adding another notable chapter to their World Cup story.
With both teams aware of the importance of the fixture, Sunday’s encounter could prove pivotal in shaping the final Group H standings.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois stands on the brink of history as the Red Devils prepare to face Iran in a crucial Group G match at the FIFA World Cup.
The veteran shot-stopper could equal Belgium’s record of 17 World Cup appearances if selected, underlining his status as one of the country’s most enduring and influential players.
Belgium will be looking for a strong performance as they continue their quest for qualification from a competitive group, but they face an Iranian side buoyed by the form of defender-turned-goalscorer Ramin Rezaeian.
Rezaeian has emerged as one of Iran’s most surprising attacking weapons and is aiming to score in a fourth consecutive international match, a feat that would further enhance his growing reputation.
The clash pits Belgium’s experience and pedigree against Iran’s determination and resilience, with both teams fully aware that a positive result could prove decisive in the battle for a place in the knockout rounds.
As the stakes rise in Group G, individual milestones and team ambitions are set to collide in what promises to be an intriguing contest.
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