Two nations looking to return to form will do battle today in an international friendly between Mexico and Nigeria. The World Cup tune-up scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET will be held at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta and be live streamed here free. Additional TV coverage can be found on ESPNEWS and UniMás.
For Mexico, tonight's clash with the Super Eagles will serve as a last-ditch effort for previous stalwarts to secure their position ahead of the 2014 World Cup. A shameful qualifying process from Mexico—one that required the assistance of the same U.S. men's national team they despise—forced more than another head coach out the door. It also put into question the dedication and form of Mexico's European-based players.
It was predominantly a Liga MX side current head coach Miguel Herrera carried into the playoff series with New Zealand.
There are no more guarantees. Even a talent like Javier Hernández is no longer privileged, especially after a putrid two-goal performance during the fourth round of qualifiying. According to Paulo Freitas of Sky Sports, he is thankful, excited and hungry to perform. "I am very eager to play as my club don't take me much into account," Hernández said. "I hope I have the opportunity to play. When you are called up, you have to be thankful and if not called up, you have to keep working," he added.
"I am very happy and thankful with this call-up, like I was when I was called up for the first time."
Clearly, this isn't the first time Chicharito Hernández has featured for El Tri. If he fails to perform against Nigeria, however, will it be his last appearance of 2014?
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Tactical Preview
Player to Watch: Hernández isn't the only European-based player battling for Mexico. Midfielder Hector Herrera has begun playing regulary in Europe for Portuguese outfit Porto. His time to take charge of the midfield is now.
Nigeria's Projected Lineup 4-2-3-1: Enyeama; Oboabona, Omeruo, Ambrose, Elderson; Onazi, Mikel; Moses, Musa, Uchebo; Emenike.
Mexico's Projected Lineup 5-3-2: Ochoa; Aguilar, Reyes, Márquez, Moreno, Guardado; Medina, Montes, Herrera; Peralta, Chicharito.
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