England Advances to Face Mexico
England has progressed to the last 16 of the World Cup after securing a 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in Atlanta. This win sets up a challenging encounter against co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City on Sunday. The upcoming match will present unique obstacles, particularly due to the high altitude and humidity at the Estadio Azteca.
Captain Harry Kane played a crucial role in the win against the Democratic Republic of Congo, scoring two goals in the final 15 minutes. This performance helped England avoid an early exit from the tournament. Manager Thomas Tuchel acknowledged the difficulties ahead, stating that the game against Mexico in the Estadio Azteca will involve many obstacles, including the significant disadvantage of altitude.
Tuchel also noted that physical adaptation to the high altitude within four days is impossible. Despite these challenges, he expressed confidence in the team’s readiness, believing they have the platform to perform well even when faced with tough conditions. This match will be a significant test for England‘s aspirations in the tournament.
Altitude Challenge at Estadio Azteca
The Estadio Azteca in Mexico City is situated at 7,220 feet (2,240 meters) above sea level, a factor that significantly impacts player performance. The lower barometric pressure at this altitude means less oxygen is absorbed into the bloodstream with each breath, leading to increased heart rate, shortness of breath, dehydration, and quicker fatigue for players.
For context, West Bromwich Albion‘s The Hawthorns, the highest stadium in professional English football, is at 551 feet (168 meters), making it considerably closer to sea level than the Estadio Azteca. Former Mexico captain Pavel Pardo highlighted the difficulty for opposing teams, noting that players often suffer from the conditions, especially in the second half of matches.
Mexico, having played all their matches on home soil, are accustomed to these conditions. Their competitive record at the Estadio Azteca includes 70 wins from 89 games, with only two defeats. They also boast an unbeaten record in 10 World Cup games at the stadium, demonstrating their comfort and effectiveness in the high-altitude environment.
Experts suggest that maximum aerobic capacity can drop by around 10% at this altitude, with a 15-20% increase in fatigue. Players may also produce lactate more quickly, leading to muscle acidity and slower performance. While maximum sprint speeds might not be affected, players will require longer recovery times between intense efforts.
Strategic Adjustments for England
Given the limited time for acclimatisation, England will likely need to adjust their playing style. Dr. Barney Wainwright, a senior research fellow, suggested that England might need to slow down their game to allow players more time to recover between high-intensity plays. This tactical shift would be crucial for managing the physical demands of the altitude.
The thin air also affects the ball’s movement, making it travel faster when crossed, which can influence tactical approaches. Former West Ham midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker, who played at the Estadio Azteca, described it as the most physically demanding place he ever played, emphasizing the need for football intelligence to conserve energy.
Goalkeepers, in particular, may face difficulties dealing with the flight of the ball and timing crosses due to the thinner air. This could lead to more shots from distance troubling the goalkeeper, as noted by Jason de Vos, a former player and coach for Canada. Coaches might need to reconsider pressing tactics for the entire game, as it becomes unsustainable at high altitude.
England‘s preparation for other World Cup matches played closer to sea level has limited their ability to specifically train for high-altitude conditions. Individual players will react differently to the altitude, with some potentially struggling more than others, which could lead to increased use of substitutes in the second half of the match.
In other tournament news, Senegal was eliminated from the World Cup after losing 3-2 to Belgium, a match where they conceded a late lead. Midfielder Pape Gueye, a 27-year-old Villarreal player, announced he would take a break from the national team as long as the current coaching staff remains in place. Germany‘s Under-19 team secured a 4-0 victory against Wales on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Manchester United Women‘s player Layla Drury is expected to become the youngest player to sign a professional contract with a WSL club. The 17-year-old made her senior debut in January in an FA Cup tie against Burnley, where she also scored in a 5-0 victory, becoming the club’s youngest goalscorer.
Spain is also preparing for a last-32 match against Austria, with expectations that they will need to elevate their performance from earlier in the tournament. Cape Verde will face Argentina on Friday, with full-back Sidny Lopes Cabral expressing excitement about playing against Lionel Messi.
The Under-19s European Championships are currently underway in Wales, where Germany coach Christian Worns was seen in a retro tracksuit.
Source: theguardian.com
