Japan vs Mexico Preview: Samurai Blue look to put disappointing Italy defeat behind them

Posted Friday, June 21, 2013 by Goal.com

With little more than pride at stake after both teams were eliminated from the Confederations Cup on Wednesday, the Mineirao clash is a race to avoid finishing bottom of Group A

Probable lineups

With their hopes of reaching the Confederations Cup semi-finals dashed, Japan and Mexico will face each other at the Mineirao on Saturday playing for little more than to avoid the ignominy of finishing bottom of Group A.

Neither team have registered a single point in the tournament so far, but major line-up changes are not expected on either side as they both aim to conclude their fruitless campaigns on something of a high.

Japan, who were eliminated on Wednesday after a devastating 4-3 defeat against Italy, have only one significant change to make, with captain Makoto Hasebe suspended after picking up two yellow cards.

Hertha Berlin’s Hajime Hogosai is the most likely candidate to replace the skipper, who conceded a penalty against the Azzurri, though Kengo Nakamura or Hideto Takahashi could also see action in midfield.

Meanwhile, Jorge Torres Nilo is in line to be dropped by Jose Manuel de la Torre from the Mexico defence, after a terrible performance during their 2-0 loss against Brazil, which ended their chances in the tournament.

In that event, Carlos Salcido is likely to win his 116th cap for el Tri by reverting to a left-back role, with Angel Reyna expected to assume Salcido’s place in midfield.