The Azteca atmosphere in the first half was incredible, and Mexico were full on aggressive attack mode with Raul as a kind of forward pivot for all the runners, they were very good indeed.
England, you really have your work cut out if you get past Dr. Congo. Also, beware that the Ecuador players hardly slept as a load of Mexican fans partied outside their hotel all last night.
Mexico scaled it down the 2nd half, but that first half was a bit nuts.
Not sure I'm a fan of fans messing around outside hotels of opposition teams to give their own team an advantage. Should just be about football. Get why they're doing it, but just not really on or in the nature of sport.
Great to see Raul and Mexico through and will prove a tricky opponent. Know if the match will be in the US or Mexico? May make no difference as lots of Mexicans in US perhaps.
So far though it looks like we've had a clean sweep of players progressing to the last 16, which must be a first? I include Raul in that, as he was a fulham player last season leading into the summer.
I'm not 100% why we let him go though, he's clearly still got it and could do a job for us
Their competitive record at this stadium is 70 wins from 89 games, with 17 draws and only two defeats.
I agree re Raul. I'd have tried hard to keep him another year at least (but we may have other plans or he may have wanted to go anyway)
From someone I know in Mexico City....
I'm at the Mexico match. Sitting right on the half way line. Next to the tunnel. I'm wearing my Fulham shirt. I shouted at Raul Jimenez when he came out - muchas gracias por todo en Fulham.**He gave me a thumbs up and winked at me.
**"Thanks v much for everything at Fulham "
I'm so happy for Raul, what a player he is.
Quote from: General on July 01, 2026, 08:33:35 AMNot sure I'm a fan of fans messing around outside hotels of opposition teams to give their own team an advantage. Should just be about football. Get why they're doing it, but just not really on or in the nature of sport.
Great to see Raul and Mexico through and will prove a tricky opponent. Know if the match will be in the US or Mexico? May make no difference as lots of Mexicans in US perhaps.
So far though it looks like we've had a clean sweep of players progressing to the last 16, which must be a first? I include Raul in that, as he was a fulham player last season leading into the summer.
I'm not 100% why we let him go though, he's clearly still got it and could do a job for us
As much as I admire Raul I think we all know why we are not re-signing him.
The combination of age, the salary he can still demand and the signing on fee as a free agent he will get is too big a financial burden for us.
Also, possibly clearing the way for a new 1st choice CF is a factor.
Quote from: bill taylors apprentice on July 01, 2026, 09:17:43 AMQuote from: General on July 01, 2026, 08:33:35 AMNot sure I'm a fan of fans messing around outside hotels of opposition teams to give their own team an advantage. Should just be about football. Get why they're doing it, but just not really on or in the nature of sport.
Great to see Raul and Mexico through and will prove a tricky opponent. Know if the match will be in the US or Mexico? May make no difference as lots of Mexicans in US perhaps.
So far though it looks like we've had a clean sweep of players progressing to the last 16, which must be a first? I include Raul in that, as he was a fulham player last season leading into the summer.
I'm not 100% why we let him go though, he's clearly still got it and could do a job for us
As much as I admire Raul I think we all know why we are not re-signing him.
The combination of age, the salary he can still demand and the signing on fee as a free agent he will get is too big a financial burden for us.
Also, possibly clearing the way for a new 1st choice CF is a factor.
I really hope your last sentence is the reason. I'm not confident though!
I watched the highlights on Iplayer this morning and Mexico did look good. Great to see Raul score, and the first goal was real quality.
I've always had a soft spot for them ever since Mexico 86, though obviously hoping we give them a drubbing in the last 16.
It won't be easy though, and we still have to get past Congo of course!
Quote from: Southcoastffc on July 01, 2026, 09:44:54 AMQuote from: bill taylors apprentice on July 01, 2026, 09:17:43 AMQuote from: General on July 01, 2026, 08:33:35 AMNot sure I'm a fan of fans messing around outside hotels of opposition teams to give their own team an advantage. Should just be about football. Get why they're doing it, but just not really on or in the nature of sport.
Great to see Raul and Mexico through and will prove a tricky opponent. Know if the match will be in the US or Mexico? May make no difference as lots of Mexicans in US perhaps.
So far though it looks like we've had a clean sweep of players progressing to the last 16, which must be a first? I include Raul in that, as he was a fulham player last season leading into the summer.
I'm not 100% why we let him go though, he's clearly still got it and could do a job for us
As much as I admire Raul I think we all know why we are not re-signing him.
The combination of age, the salary he can still demand and the signing on fee as a free agent he will get is too big a financial burden for us.
Also, possibly clearing the way for a new 1st choice CF is a factor.
I really hope your last sentence is the reason. I'm not confident though!
Why not out of interest?
It's been confirmed very openly we were in for Ricardo Pepi to the point of a medical just this January so clearly we were looking for the Raul replacement before he'd even left, and for a large fee. I've very little doubt that we we'll be spending a fair bit on a starting striker this summer.
Simply because transfer dealings are rarely straightforward- sometimes they fall our way (eg the extremely fortunate acquisition of Mitro) and sometimes they fall the other way.
Quote from: Southcoastffc on July 01, 2026, 11:48:15 AMSimply because transfer dealings are rarely straightforward- sometimes they fall our way (eg the extremely fortunate acquisition of Mitro) and sometimes they fall the other way.
That's quite a statement- picking one supposed transfer that urban myth seems to think was done via text at an airport?
There's plenty of other positive transfers- Robinson, Tete, Bassey, Diop, Leno, Lukic, Berge, Raul, Willian, Wilson etc etc etc.
Yes, they're rarely straightforward for any club and TK did allude to wanting to wait to save money but admitted it caused a bit of anger from Marco. I don't think we'll see things get much earlier unfortunately.
Quote from: Steeeeeeeeeed on July 01, 2026, 05:11:12 AMThe Azteca atmosphere in the first half was incredible, and Mexico were full on aggressive attack mode with Raul as a kind of forward pivot for all the runners, they were very good indeed.
England, you really have your work cut out if you get past Dr. Congo. Also, beware that the Ecuador players hardly slept as a load of Mexican fans partied outside their hotel all last night.
Mexico scaled it down the 2nd half, but that first half was a bit nuts.
Very hard place for European teams to go and get a result at any time.
With a strong Mexico team like this one, it will be tougher still
They've played every game at the same ground, zero traveling and they are climatized to the high elevation, that's why they like to play there, smells like BS to me
Once and if we get past Congo and only then I will start contemplating it,
Quote from: Jim© on July 01, 2026, 12:11:23 PMQuote from: Southcoastffc on July 01, 2026, 11:48:15 AMSimply because transfer dealings are rarely straightforward- sometimes they fall our way (eg the extremely fortunate acquisition of Mitro) and sometimes they fall the other way.
That's quite a statement- picking one supposed transfer that urban myth seems to think was done via text at an airport?
There's plenty of other positive transfers- Robinson, Tete, Bassey, Diop, Leno, Lukic, Berge, Raul, Willian, Wilson etc etc etc.
Yes, they're rarely straightforward for any club and TK did allude to wanting to wait to save money but admitted it caused a bit of anger from Marco. I don't think we'll see things get much earlier unfortunately.
Not an urban myth BTW re Mitro- pretty well documented and, tho I can't say too much because I don't want to get anyone in trouble, his transfer was an extremely late call, fortunately facilitated by someone who used to work at the FA.
Atmosphere in the stadium very important, but what truly sets it apart is altitude. If your body isn't acclimated and I don't see how the England (or for that matter the DRC) team's can be, then that's a major, major problem. Even for those acclimated, they have to know how to play at altitude, not as individuals but as a team. The Mexican lads all do.
Not been to Mexico City, but spent a week working somewhere just a little higher. Climbing flights of steps was just plain weird. Shuttle runs? I'd have been unconscious.
I was speaking with a couple of South Africans the other day who were at a loss as to how bad their team was in the opener, then reasonably competent. Altitude.
But we are getting ahead of ourselves.
Quote from: General on July 01, 2026, 08:33:35 AMI'm not 100% why we let him go though, he's clearly still got it and could do a job for us
He's 35, would have been relatively expensive to re-sign and most importantly his productivity had really started to fall off a cliff for us (1 non penalty goal every 199 minutes in 23-24, 1 every 277 minutes in 24-25 and 1 every 438 minutes in 25-26). Frankly, I suspect letting him leave was a fairly easy decision for the club to make.
Quote from: perry geyton on July 01, 2026, 02:22:01 PMThey've played every game at the same ground, zero traveling and they are climatized to the high elevation, that's why they like to play there, smells like BS to me
Once and if we get past Congo and only then I will start contemplating it,
Why is playing all their games at their national stadium BS? They are a host. I suspect England would get all their games at Wembley if/when England are WC hosts.
Mexico haven't lost a competitive match at the Azteca since 2013
Ben Nevis is 1,345 metres (4,413 feet) above sea level.
The Azteca Stadium is 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) above sea level
Azteca. Quite a place.
The altitude is over 7000 feet. The crowds are very loud and of course partisan. The US had a match there some years back and the players on corners and throws were pelted with all sorts of things. One was hit by a plastic bag of urine. Thankfully, you won't have to play with a COCACAF ref. They make VAR seem accurate. Hopefully the weather will remain cool as it has been. It gets over 90 on a regular basis and the humidity can be that high as well.
Oh, and Mexico has been playing well. It will be interesting.
Quote from: Steeeeeeeeeed on July 01, 2026, 07:23:19 PMBen Nevis is 1,345 metres (4,413 feet) above sea level.
The Azteca Stadium is 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) above sea level
We've got a mountain to climb then ....
Quote from: Steeeeeeeeeed on July 01, 2026, 07:23:19 PMBen Nevis is 1,345 metres (4,413 feet) above sea level.
The Azteca Stadium is 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) above sea level
I've been to ski resorts lower than that!
From what I saw tonight, we will be spanked by Raul and Mexico
Quote from: Eton White on July 01, 2026, 08:16:53 PMQuote from: Steeeeeeeeeed on July 01, 2026, 07:23:19 PMBen Nevis is 1,345 metres (4,413 feet) above sea level.
The Azteca Stadium is 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) above sea level
I've been to ski resorts lower than that!
Interesting - I've skied quite a bit and 2.2k metres strikes me as inconsequential. I've only really been aware of (not suffered) altitude sickness at Les Deux Alpes and Alpe D'Huez - both around 3.5k metres. Do you think it is likely a 'real' problem for England?
Quote from: Southcoastffc on July 01, 2026, 09:11:12 PMQuote from: Eton White on July 01, 2026, 08:16:53 PMQuote from: Steeeeeeeeeed on July 01, 2026, 07:23:19 PMBen Nevis is 1,345 metres (4,413 feet) above sea level.
The Azteca Stadium is 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) above sea level
I've been to ski resorts lower than that!
Interesting - I've skied quite a bit and 2.2k metres strikes me as inconsequential. I've only really been aware of (not suffered) altitude sickness at Les Deux Alpes and Alpe D'Huez - both around 3.5k metres. Do you think it is likely a 'real' problem for England?
Mexico's record at that stadium speaks for itself. It has already been quoted several times and there must be something in it.
Quote from: Southcoastffc on July 01, 2026, 09:11:12 PMQuote from: Eton White on July 01, 2026, 08:16:53 PMQuote from: Steeeeeeeeeed on July 01, 2026, 07:23:19 PMBen Nevis is 1,345 metres (4,413 feet) above sea level.
The Azteca Stadium is 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) above sea level
I've been to ski resorts lower than that!
Interesting - I've skied quite a bit and 2.2k metres strikes me as inconsequential. I've only really been aware of (not suffered) altitude sickness at Les Deux Alpes and Alpe D'Huez - both around 3.5k metres. Do you think it is likely a 'real' problem for England?
It is ABSOLUTELY an issue for a squad which is not acclimated to the altitude (like the English on Sunday). Surprised to see Tuchel say (in the 2nd linked article) that they'll be flying in on Friday. I know the USMNT used to try to fly in as late as possible (less than 24 hours) before a match at Azteca as that was considered the best strategy if you didn't have the two weeks (or whatever it is) to fully acclimate. Worth nothing the US hasn't lost a match at the Azteca in almost 17 years (a win and 3 draws since then).
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/why-mexicos-altitude-advantage-could-025558822.html
https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/49240312/thomas-tuchel-impossible-adapt-climate-england-mexico-azteca-altitude-world-cup
Very interesting and different approaches. I guess the tactics nay involve Mexican fast pace v England slow build up.
Quote from: HV71 on July 01, 2026, 08:13:09 PMQuote from: Steeeeeeeeeed on July 01, 2026, 07:23:19 PMBen Nevis is 1,345 metres (4,413 feet) above sea level.
The Azteca Stadium is 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) above sea level
We've got a mountain to climb then ....
....but Dan Burn is already there.
If our defence performs like it did yesterday, the jumping beans won't need help from the altitude.
As for Jimenez, 100k pw one year contract would have been well worth our while.IMHO of course, which counts for nothing.
Quote from: Southcoastffc on July 01, 2026, 09:11:12 PMQuote from: Eton White on July 01, 2026, 08:16:53 PMQuote from: Steeeeeeeeeed on July 01, 2026, 07:23:19 PMBen Nevis is 1,345 metres (4,413 feet) above sea level.
The Azteca Stadium is 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) above sea level
I've been to ski resorts lower than that!
Interesting - I've skied quite a bit and 2.2k metres strikes me as inconsequential. I've only really been aware of (not suffered) altitude sickness at Les Deux Alpes and Alpe D'Huez - both around 3.5k metres. Do you think it is likely a 'real' problem for England?
You won't get altitude sickness at those sorts of heights, but I'd imagine playing football for 90 minutes will be a lot more difficult if you're not used to it as the air is thinner. It's definitely not going to help us.
Quote from: Southcoastffc on July 01, 2026, 09:44:54 AMQuote from: bill taylors apprentice on July 01, 2026, 09:17:43 AMQuote from: General on July 01, 2026, 08:33:35 AMNot sure I'm a fan of fans messing around outside hotels of opposition teams to give their own team an advantage. Should just be about football. Get why they're doing it, but just not really on or in the nature of sport.
Great to see Raul and Mexico through and will prove a tricky opponent. Know if the match will be in the US or Mexico? May make no difference as lots of Mexicans in US perhaps.
So far though it looks like we've had a clean sweep of players progressing to the last 16, which must be a first? I include Raul in that, as he was a fulham player last season leading into the summer.
I'm not 100% why we let him go though, he's clearly still got it and could do a job for us
As much as I admire Raul I think we all know why we are not re-signing him.
The combination of age, the salary he can still demand and the signing on fee as a free agent he will get is too big a financial burden for us.
Also, possibly clearing the way for a new 1st choice CF is a factor.
I really hope your last sentence is the reason. I'm not confident though!
A BBC 5 Live commentator referred this morning to Raul being shabbily released by Fulham.
Not necessarily my view - I don't know enough about it, but I am sad to see him go, and he obviously still sems to be playing well, but the club maybe had good reason to let him go, as said here.
Quote from: Carborundum on July 01, 2026, 04:01:21 PMAtmosphere in the stadium very important, but what truly sets it apart is altitude. If your body isn't acclimated and I don't see how the England (or for that matter the DRC) team's can be, then that's a major, major problem. Even for those acclimated, they have to know how to play at altitude, not as individuals but as a team. The Mexican lads all do.
Not been to Mexico City, but spent a week working somewhere just a little higher. Climbing flights of steps was just plain weird. Shuttle runs? I'd have been unconscious.
I was speaking with a couple of South Africans the other day who were at a loss as to how bad their team was in the opener, then reasonably competent. Altitude.
But we are getting ahead of ourselves.
Echo this. I spent a week in Quito -8,000 ft above sea level - many years ago when I was a fit younger man. Climbing stairs and walking up a hill were a killer. It's a hell of a challenge for the players
Quote from: FulhamKC on July 01, 2026, 07:11:03 PMMexico haven't lost a competitive match at the Azteca since 2013
And didn't concede a goal in their group stage either
Quote from: General on July 01, 2026, 08:33:35 AMNot sure I'm a fan of fans messing around outside hotels of opposition teams to give their own team an advantage. Should just be about football. Get why they're doing it, but just not really on or in the nature of sport.
Great to see Raul and Mexico through and will prove a tricky opponent. Know if the match will be in the US or Mexico? May make no difference as lots of Mexicans in US perhaps.
So far though it looks like we've had a clean sweep of players progressing to the last 16, which must be a first? I include Raul in that, as he was a fulham player last season leading into the summer.
I'm not 100% why we let him go though, he's clearly still got it and could do a job for us
do not understand the clubs decision at all as muniz is prone to injury and isn't reliable scoring wise.
Raul playing well against sub par oppersition, he isnt really PL quality anymore outside his pens, so I do see why he has been let go. What I do'nt get is our current plan of Muniz and JKA given Muniz is made of glass and cant score.
Quote from: JimOG on July 02, 2026, 11:00:55 AMQuote from: FulhamKC on July 01, 2026, 07:11:03 PMMexico haven't lost a competitive match at the Azteca since 2013
And didn't concede a goal in their group stage either
They had home advantage and they played some very poor teams. England are a cut above those teams so there are plenty of reasons for optimism but all I seem to hear is negativity. Player for player we have a better squad. Of course it will be a tough game, but very very winnable.
Quote from: Whitestone on July 02, 2026, 12:32:47 PMPlayer for player we have a better squad. Of course it will be a tough game, but very very winnable.
Completely agree with that, the squads are incomparable- their team littered with players for clubs like AZ Aalkmaar, PAOK Athens, Lokomotiv Moscow and a large chunk still playing in Mexico.
Out of all the last 16 teams, aside from the stadium we play in, it's in the top couple of draws that we could have.
Quote from: KentFulham on July 02, 2026, 11:46:36 AMRaul playing well against sub par oppersition, he isnt really PL quality anymore outside his pens, so I do see why he has been let go. What I do'nt get is our current plan of Muniz and JKA given Muniz is made of glass and cant score.
mr K, you don't know that's our current plan,there maybe several irons in the fire, just waiting for the new man.
Many of the Mexican team play, train and live at similar altitude as our players. Often in the same towns as ours.
Quote from: cmg on July 02, 2026, 03:30:13 PMMany of the Mexican team play, train and live at similar altitude as our players. Often in the same towns as ours.
Yes, but those players have all been living and training in Mexico City for the last 30-40 days.
Quote from: JimOG on July 02, 2026, 11:00:55 AMQuote from: FulhamKC on July 01, 2026, 07:11:03 PMMexico haven't lost a competitive match at the Azteca since 2013
And didn't concede a goal in their group stage either
If we pick every Arsenal player in the squad, swap in Big Dan Burn and play for set pieces, we have a chance. Dan really can't do worse than our current defenders and it's practically a free header every time.
Men versus boys
We have Harry Kane and they have a 36 year old Raul playing up front
Play this game at sea level and we smash them, the Mexicans have found a way to cripple teams by playing up on a mountain top
This will eventually catch up with them cos theyre simply not that good
Quote from: Carborundum on July 02, 2026, 04:16:35 PMQuote from: JimOG on July 02, 2026, 11:00:55 AMQuote from: FulhamKC on July 01, 2026, 07:11:03 PMMexico haven't lost a competitive match at the Azteca since 2013
And didn't concede a goal in their group stage either
If we pick every Arsenal player in the squad, swap in Big Dan Burn and play for set pieces, we have a chance. Dan really can't do worse than our current defenders and it's practically a free header every time.
I totally agree about Dan Burn. He may not be a great footballer but he can give us a command in the air that is very lacking and dependent on people like Kane who could be elsewhere at times.
Quote from: perry geyton on July 02, 2026, 04:30:50 PMMen versus boys
We have Harry Kane and they have a 36 year old Raul playing up front
Play this game at sea level and we smash them, the Mexicans have found a way to cripple teams by playing up on a mountain top
This will eventually catch up with them cos theyre simply not that good
I admire your confidence but not sure our performances in defence have warranted it. Also a bit too reliant on Kane and Bellingham still. We'll need to score first.
Macchu Picchu in Peru is roughly the same Elevation as the Azzteca
John Peel died up there from a heart attack caused by the elevation, I myself went up there and could barely move for the first few days, constantly out of Breath chewing on coco leaves, everything was hard work
That along with the heat
You could say that Mexico has basically found a way to cheat theyre way through this tournament so far IMO
Quote from: Bassey the warrior on July 02, 2026, 04:35:53 PMQuote from: perry geyton on July 02, 2026, 04:30:50 PMMen versus boys
We have Harry Kane and they have a 36 year old Raul playing up front
Play this game at sea level and we smash them, the Mexicans have found a way to cripple teams by playing up on a mountain top
This will eventually catch up with them cos theyre simply not that good
I admire your confidence but not sure our performances in defence have warranted it. Also a bit too reliant on Kane and Bellingham still. We'll need to score first.
Agreed but I'm telling you they are not that good, they only look decent because of the circumstances
They are running on luck
The altitude thing is a genuine advantage especially if they're accustomed to it. I would think there was some kind of foresight in the england camp regarding this eventuality...
i recently did a backpacking trip with my partner around south america, where we spent over a month travelling up the andes from argentina to colombia, and f*** me, some of the hikes we did at >3k meters were brutal. I climbed Austria peak (5,3k m) just outside La Paz with my cousin, which is 'only' a 900m ascent, but i can confidently say it was the single hardest physical activity i've ever done. I'd consider myself a very fit 29 year old male - and so would my cousin mind you (she runs many marathons) - and she also agreed it was harder than any marathon she'd ran. 5,3k is different to 2k, but if you actually think the english boys ain't gonna feel that, then you are really mistaken.
The irony is that Mexico Distrito Federale not up a mountain, it's a giant smog-filled bowl surrounded by mountains. At least, it was when I spent a month there in 1978.
Having said that, I have also been to the Karakorams, the Hindu Kush, the Alps, the Andes, Eryri and Llaregyb Hill. Altitude can lead to exhaustion - even sickness in the first two or three days.
I went up a hill and came down a mountain.
Nogood "playing what's in front us, isit" Boyo
Sky Sports Expert on the Azteca Altitude thing...
https://youtu.be/VvL3YsOvuuE?is=YlQw4fr4PYzXs4Pj
Quote from: NogoodBoyo on July 02, 2026, 05:20:25 PMThe irony is that Mexico Distrito Federale not up a mountain, it's a giant smog-filled bowl surrounded by mountains. At least, it was when I spent a month there in 1978.
Having said that, I have also been to the Karakorams, the Hindu Kush, the Alps, the Andes, Eryri and Llaregyb Hill. Altitude can lead to exhaustion - even sickness in the first two or three days.
I went up a hill and came down a mountain.
Nogood "playing what's in front us, isit" Boyo
Yep it makes you nauseous
I felt like I constantly wanted to puke when I was up there for the first couple of days
Quote from: Steeeeeeeeeed on July 02, 2026, 05:22:16 PMSky Sports Expert on the Azteca Altitude thing...
https://youtu.be/VvL3YsOvuuE?is=YlQw4fr4PYzXs4Pj
He mentioned something I did here yesterday, the prevailing school of thought is if you don't have adequate time to get acclimated you should fly in the night before the match. Surprised England is going in tomorrow.
One thing worth noting re Mexico's formidable record at Azteca (which is undoubtedly a very tough place to play for their opposition) is that they very rarely play good teams there. A huge portion of those matches are against very weak Concacaf opposition. As I mentioned earlier the US (the other big dog in Concacaf) hasn't lost there in their last four matches.
I have a feeling, given how we're playing so far, that we will struggle to win vs Mexico. Not only in Mexico, at altitude, at their home stadium, but fans likely making noise outside the England Hotel disrupting sleep. England have looked pretty disjointed this world cup and, whilst winning, haven't really impressed in any meaningful manner.
Quito, capital of Ecuador, is at 9350 ft so dropping down to the Azteca must have been a breeze for them. Didn't do them much good though.
Quote from: cmg on July 02, 2026, 06:28:11 PMQuito, capital of Ecuador, is at 9350 ft so dropping down to the Azteca must have been a breeze for them. Didn't do them much good though.
1) Only two of Ecuador's players play in their domestic league. 2) Ecuador had been training for about a month at their base camp in Columbus, OH (elevation ~800 feet).
Quote from: General on July 02, 2026, 06:18:59 PMI have a feeling, given how we're playing so far, that we will struggle to win vs Mexico. Not only in Mexico, at altitude, at their home stadium, but fans likely making noise outside the England Hotel disrupting sleep. England have looked pretty disjointed this world cup and, whilst winning, haven't really impressed in any meaningful manner.
Mexico away is a tough fixture for all the reasons discussed. However, IMO the only team that's played with any panache at this World Cup is France and they are the only team I would be concerned about if England come up against them. In reality we probably have a better squad than Mexico, we have match winners, so that will hopefully swing some balance our way. I think we'll win.
I have been to Shooters Hill, Parliament Hill. Tower Hill, Herne Hill. Richmond Hill and Lavender Hill.
I can reassure you it is no sweat.
Quote from: FulhamKC on July 01, 2026, 06:56:22 PMQuote from: perry geyton on July 01, 2026, 02:22:01 PMThey've played every game at the same ground, zero traveling and they are climatized to the high elevation, that's why they like to play there, smells like BS to me
Once and if we get past Congo and only then I will start contemplating it,
Why is playing all their games at their national stadium BS? They are a host. I suspect England would get all their games at Wembley if/when England are WC hosts.
Cos Wembley is not at the top of a mountain it is an even playing field unlike the Aztecca, it's biased
If they go anywhere in this tournament "if England doesn't beat them" the minute they come down off of that mountain they will get done
I guarentee it
Quote from: perry geyton on July 03, 2026, 12:51:13 AMQuote from: FulhamKC on July 01, 2026, 06:56:22 PMQuote from: perry geyton on July 01, 2026, 02:22:01 PMThey've played every game at the same ground, zero traveling and they are climatized to the high elevation, that's why they like to play there, smells like BS to me
Once and if we get past Congo and only then I will start contemplating it,
Why is playing all their games at their national stadium BS? They are a host. I suspect England would get all their games at Wembley if/when England are WC hosts.
Cos Wembley is not at the top of a mountain it is an even playing field unlike the Aztecca, it's biased
If they go anywhere in this tournament "if England doesn't beat them" the minute they come down off of that mountain they will get done
I guarentee it
I wouldn't be so sure of that.
They've been training at altitude. They'll be like super athletes when they play at sea level. Blood full of oxygen and able to run for 120 minutes without breaking a sweat.
Quote from: Eton White on July 03, 2026, 02:41:44 AMQuote from: perry geyton on July 03, 2026, 12:51:13 AMQuote from: FulhamKC on July 01, 2026, 06:56:22 PMQuote from: perry geyton on July 01, 2026, 02:22:01 PMThey've played every game at the same ground, zero traveling and they are climatized to the high elevation, that's why they like to play there, smells like BS to me
Once and if we get past Congo and only then I will start contemplating it,
Why is playing all their games at their national stadium BS? They are a host. I suspect England would get all their games at Wembley if/when England are WC hosts.
Cos Wembley is not at the top of a mountain it is an even playing field unlike the Aztecca, it's biased
If they go anywhere in this tournament "if England doesn't beat them" the minute they come down off of that mountain they will get done
I guarentee it
I wouldn't be so sure of that.
They've been training at altitude. They'll be like super athletes when they play at sea level. Blood full of oxygen and able to run for 120 minutes without breaking a sweat.
Yeah but they won't be playing teams that are crippled
They really are not that good of a team
Apparently you lose 10 percent of oxygen at that altitude. I read a lot of books about alpine mountain climbing, and you lose 70 pecent of oxygen on Everest.
But 10 % is definitely significant.
I'm surprised that England haven't done more to acclimatize themselves, though they use hypobaric chambers apparently
Looking at Wikipedia, Mexico have reached the quarter finals on both occasions when they've hosted (70 and 86).
Never been that far in other tournaments.
Went out to eventaul finalists in both tournaments (Italy and W Germany respectively) but neither game was at the Azteca.
Of course, different teams and different times. I'd say England are a better team but not by much at this tournament. Whatever team we had, Mexico are no joke and we'd have a game on our hands if we were playing at the North Pole, Equator or anywhere else. The home advantage and altitude increase Mexico's cxhances. If we had the England team of 1970, 1990 or even the past few tournaments, I'd rate our chances more than I do with this team. We will go into a very hostile atmosphere witha shakey defence - not a great combination but we can still do it. Last 16 of the World Cup, we can't expect to be playing a pub side and we'll be tested. i hope he plays John Stones because of his experience - less likely to crumble
K.O. is set to be moved to 7pm BST Sunday due to severe weather conditions later in the day in Mexico City - ::thumb::
We must all keep up to speed the stadium name has changed it is now called "The Iconic Azteca Stadium" according to everyone reporting on the World Cup .
Quote from: Buffalo76 on July 03, 2026, 08:03:27 PMK.O. is set to be moved to 7pm BST Sunday due to severe weather conditions later in the day in Mexico City - ::thumb::
I just saw the same thing.
https://x.com/SamiMokbel_BBC/status/2073116377691422783
I believe the 5 am rule for Sunday has gone into effect for pubs ::beer::
As others have noted, Mexico's altitude is a major advantage. Temperatures are expected to be 22–25 degrees, so conditions should be manageable, but with a storm brewing, humidity could also play a significant role.
I have never been there, though I have watched many CONCACAF matches played at Azteca Stadium. Friends who have attended have echoed what YankeeJim described: the stadium can be incredibly loud, creating an unforgettable atmosphere, yet extremely hostile to visiting teams.
Quote from: Buffalo76 on July 03, 2026, 08:03:27 PMK.O. is set to be moved to 7pm BST Sunday due to severe weather conditions later in the day in Mexico City - ::thumb::
Just Cancel the Game and Toss a Coin...It's England's Best Chance.
Quote from: HV71 on July 03, 2026, 08:39:16 PMWe must all keep up to speed the stadium name has changed it is now called "The Iconic Azteca Stadium" according to everyone reporting on the World Cup .
Similar to our " The Iconic Hammy End Bogs ".
I reckon they have copied our idea.
All sounds a bit exaggerated to me.
Their decent players all play in Europe, so what's the issue, that they've had a couple of weeks extra to acclimatise?
Your lung capacity doesn't increase by 10% in a matter of weeks.
Reckon we'll labour to a underwhelming win and everyone will blame the altitude but it'll just be because we aren't that well organised or motivated at the moment.