Daunting reality as England face world football’s greatest trump card
England enters their FIFA World Cup round-of-16 clash with host nation Mexico as the favourites. They have an incredibly talented side led by Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, and look to be one of the tournament favourites.
But Mexico has a trump card up their sleeve that will be keeping manager Thomas Tuchel up at night; The Azteca.
Azteca Stadium in full flight. Getty
The massive stadium is one of the most iconic venues in world football and the home fortress at the centre of Mexico City.
But beyond that, it has proven almost impenetrable for rival teams over the years. Mexico has hosted 89 international matches at the venue since 1966.
They have lost twice.
Seventy wins and 17 draws, to go with that.
Mexico has played 14 international games at the Azteca across the 2020s. They have scored 23 goals and conceded just four in that time. They are yet to concede a goal in this tournament.
What makes the stadium so imposing is that it sits 2,240m above sea level. At that altitude, breathing is difficult in day-to-day life if you’re not acclimatised, let alone playing professional sport.
And the English players are certainly not acclimatised. Almost every major stadium in England is effectively at sea level.
Across this World Cup, England has played exclusively in the US to this point as well. Unlike other teams who have been based in Mexico and already played their group stage matches in the country, this will be their grand welcome.
It will certainly be a grand welcome. Just ask the Ecuadorian players and staff who faced Mexico in the previous round.
The team lodged a complaint with FIFA after Mexican fans found the team’s hotel and proceeded to let off fireworks, honk car horns and make noise all night in a bid to keep the team awake.
The team bus was hounded constantly and the energy in Mexico City was off the charts.
Then you have the deafening atmosphere inside the Azteca to contend with once the match begins.
It’s an uphill battle even before you consider the lack of oxygen available, which is a genuine factor for those who aren’t used to it.
English former West Ham player Nigel Reo-Coker, speaking to the BBC, outlined how imposing of a challenge the Atzeca can be.
Raul Jimenez of Mexico celebrates with teammates after scoring during the FIFA World Cup at the Azteca. Getty
“It’s the most physically demanding place I ever played football,” he said.
“To come from Europe and play in that altitude is so difficult.
“You cannot catch your breath. The first 45 to 55 minutes you’re literally just trying to keep breathing.
“It’s about football intelligence – you really have to pick and choose your moments where you exert yourself.”
Mexico has used home pitch advantage to their great benefit so far in this tournament. It’s easy to forget just how big of a factor it can be for teams, given the previous two World Cups have been in Qatar and Russia, where neither team was ever a genuine threat.
The match will also be the last in Mexico for the entire tournament, adding another element.
On paper, England has every right to be heavy favourites when the two teams meet on Monday morning. They clearly see this tournament as one of their best ever chances to bring the trophy home.
But playing in the Azteca, in those conditions, with the full force of the 87,000 strong crowd against them … it’s going to be a significant challenge.
For England, the historic venue holds extra meaning. It’s where the infamous ‘Hand of God’ incident played a significant part in costing them the quarter-final at the 1986 World Cup. Diego Maradona’s storied fist into the back of the net gave Argentina a 2-0 lead in that match.
Maybe the Azteca owes them one this time around.
