Background on Javier Aguirre
Javier Aguirre, the current head coach of Mexico, will face Japan on Saturday in a match that holds special significance for him. Aguirre previously coached Japan’s national team from July 2014 to January 2015.
Aguirre, known as ‘Vasco,’ expressed his anticipation for the match in a press conference. He believes that playing against Japan will be beneficial for Mexico’s preparation for the 2026 World Cup. He highlighted Japan’s early qualification to the World Cup, apart from the three host nations, as a valuable aspect of this encounter.
Aguirre emphasized that Japan’s team, with many players competing in European leagues, is highly competitive. Notable Japanese players like Wataru Endo from Liverpool and Takefusa Kubo from Real Sociedad will feature in this match against Mexico.
Mexico’s Preparation for Diverse Rivals
In his return to coaching Mexico, Aguirre requested from the Mexican Football Federation to face teams from all over the world, including Conmebol, Europe, Asia, and Africa. This Saturday’s match against Japan and the upcoming friendly with South Korea on Tuesday aligns with this goal.
Aguirre aims to expose Mexico to various playing styles different from those in Concacaf, as he believes it can help the team break out of its comfort zone.
Key Players and Rankings
Japan, ranked 17th in the FIFA World Rankings, presents a strong challenge for Mexico, which is ranked 13th. South Korea, ranked 23rd, will be Mexico’s next opponent on Tuesday.
Personal Connection with Japan
Aguirre’s connection with Japan runs deep. He recalls being hired due to perceived similarities between the Mexican and Japanese teams, both physically and in playing style. His time with Japan ended abruptly when he was dismissed in February 2015 due to an investigation into match-fixing allegations during his tenure with Zaragoza in Spain.
Match Details
When: Saturday at 20:00 local time
Where: Coliseo de Oakland, California
How to Watch: Canal 5, Azteca 7, or TUDN
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Javier Aguirre? Javier Aguirre, known as ‘Vasco,’ is the current head coach of the Mexican national football team.
- Why is this match significant for Aguirre? Aguirre previously coached Japan’s national team from July 2014 to January 2015. This match offers a chance for him to reconnect with former players and reminisce about his time in Japan.
- What are Mexico’s preparation goals? Aguirre aims to expose the team to diverse playing styles by arranging matches against teams from various confederations, including Japan and South Korea.
- What are the rankings of the teams involved? Japan is currently ranked 17th, Mexico 13th, and South Korea 23rd according to the FIFA World Rankings.
- How can fans watch the match? The match will be broadcasted live on Canal 5, Azteca 7, or TUDN.
