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Aguirre mocks Croatia's chances
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre has put down his side's first World Cup opponents Croatia, insisting they are not a "really strong team".
Aguirre's men take on Croatia in Niigata, Japan on 3 June and the Mexico coach is confident that they can impress against their European opponents.
"I think this Croatian team here is not as strong as the one that placed third in France in 1998," said Aguirre.
"It does not look like a really strong team."
Aguirre said that he expected Bosko Balaban to start the game ahead of Alen Boksic, who has been struggling with injury.
"Balaban has been playing most of the time," Aguirre added.
"He has played 53% of the time the Croatian squad has played, more than Davor Suker, more than Goran Vlaovic, more than Ivica Olic.
"My friend (and assistant coach Ignacio) Ambriz and I know the Croatians in detail."
Starting line-up
Aguirre confirmed that he had decided his starting line-up for the opening game, but would not publicly name the team.
"In the training session on Wednesday I will field that line-up, but I won't tell the press," the coach said.
Striker Cuauhtemoc Blanco limped out of Tuesday's training session and was later seen with an ice bag on his right knee, but team officials said he would make the opening match.
Blanco is widely expected to start against Croatia, partnering Francisco Palencia of Spanish club Espanyol up front.
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre has put down his side's first World Cup opponents Croatia, insisting they are not a "really strong team".
Aguirre's men take on Croatia in Niigata, Japan on 3 June and the Mexico coach is confident that they can impress against their European opponents.
"I think this Croatian team here is not as strong as the one that placed third in France in 1998," said Aguirre.
"It does not look like a really strong team."
Aguirre said that he expected Bosko Balaban to start the game ahead of Alen Boksic, who has been struggling with injury.
"Balaban has been playing most of the time," Aguirre added.
"He has played 53% of the time the Croatian squad has played, more than Davor Suker, more than Goran Vlaovic, more than Ivica Olic.
"My friend (and assistant coach Ignacio) Ambriz and I know the Croatians in detail."
Starting line-up
Aguirre confirmed that he had decided his starting line-up for the opening game, but would not publicly name the team.
"In the training session on Wednesday I will field that line-up, but I won't tell the press," the coach said.
Striker Cuauhtemoc Blanco limped out of Tuesday's training session and was later seen with an ice bag on his right knee, but team officials said he would make the opening match.
Blanco is widely expected to start against Croatia, partnering Francisco Palencia of Spanish club Espanyol up front.