Mexico’s reward for going undefeated in the group stage? Arguably their toughest matchup in the Round of 32.

Facing a matchup nobody in Mexico wanted, Javier Aguirre’s men prepare to host at El Azteca an Ecuadorian side that qualified ahead of Brazil and are one of the few teams in the world accustomed to playing at a higher altitude than Mexico City. Can Mexico find a way to crack this stellar defense led by the likes of PSG’s Willian Pacho and Arsenal’s Piero Hincapié?

Herculez Gomez and Sebi Salazar discuss what may be Mexico’s real home-field advantage at the Azteca and unpack the lineup decisions Javier Aguirre needs to make, including getting the most out of 17-year-old future superstar Gilberto Mora, in order to win El Tri’s first knockout stage game in 40 years.

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00:00 - Intro

01:24 - Mexico's Toughest Test

04:46 - No Azteca Advantage?

06:35 - Ecuador's Strengths and Weaknesses

09:54 - Aguirre's Lineup Decisions

12:00 - What role does Gil Mora Play?

16:28 - Should Edson Alvarez start?

19:08 - Mexico vs Ecuador Game Breakdown/Predictions

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