Mexico coach Javier Aguirre has vowed they can prove the doubters wrong as his side prepare to face Argentina.
Mexico boss out to upset all the odds
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre has vowed that his side can prove the doubters wrong as they prepare to face Argentina in their World Cup last-16 clash.
In a repeat of the 2006 second-round match between the two, Mexico are considered to be major underdogs against the heavily-fancied Argentines, who won all three of their games to top Group B.
Diego Maradona's side have a wealth of talent at their disposal, with Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero and Diego Milito all among their attacking options,
But the Mexicans pushed them strongly in 2006, taking the lead early on before Maxi Rodriguez scored a stunning winner in extra-time to make it 2-1 to the South Americans.
Aguirre is confident his side can pull off a shock in Soccer City to upset the odds and reach the quarter-final stage for the first time since they hosted the finals in 1986, where they could potentially face England.
"Nobody is betting a bottom dollar on us, the analysts are saying we're dead and gone. We will see," said Aguirre.
"I think Mexico are nobody's favourites, they don't believe we have a possibility (to win) but we will see after the 90 minutes whether we can change history. Argentina won four years ago and there were no more encounters so we will have to keep our euphoria low and correct the statistics, and see what the betting is (after the match)."
Hungry
Aguirre also hit back at the Mexican press, who have written off his side as no-hopers against Maradona's team.
"I don't think what they have been writing in Mexico lately is justified. It may be logic that because we are playing Argentina everything is going to be wrong, but that is your interpretation," he added.
"These guys are hungry, they are not afraid of success. They have no complexes - we will lose, we will win, but you can never criticise our team, they have courage and they are going to fight.
"It's going to be a match on a level playing field - 11 players on each side, the referee will tell us when to kick off and the rest will be decided on the pitch."
With regards to his relationship with the legendary figure of Maradona, the former Atletico Madrid boss' mood appeared to lighten, speaking of his friendship with the 50-year-old as a healthy one.
"We played as players against each other, he is a great friend and a great coach. We saw each other in Madrid quite a few times with his daughter (who is married to Atletico striker Aguero), he is a great coach.
"I will give him a big hug and congratulate him on what he has done at this World Cup so far and wish him luck."
