Victor Manuel Vucetich has made big changes to Mexico for his first game in charge of El Tri, with Mexico needing to avoid a loss at home against Panama to reasonably keep their chances of qualifying for the World Cup alive. With anything less than a win, both sides will be eliminated from contention for an automatic berth in the finals.
Mexico vs. Panama: Lineups
Once again, El Tri has made significant changes to their team selection and shape, while Panama sticks with what’s been working for them.
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Oribe Peralta and 'Chicharito' Javier Hernandez start up top for Vucetich in a team that will probably line up in some kind of unbalanced 4-4-2, with Javier Aquino in one wide position and usual central attacking midfielder Giovani dos Santos in the other. Rafa Marquez and Hugo Ayala start in defense, with Johnny Magallon on the bench.
The Mexican defenders will have a tough task defending Blas Perez. Gabriel Torres starts the game on the bench, as Panama attempts to pack the midifeld.
#UDMundial XI #México Ochoa, Layún, Marquez, Ayala, Torres Nilo, Dos Santos, Zavala, Peña, Aquino, Peralta y Hernández.
— Univision Deportes (@UnivisionSports) October 12, 2013
#UDMundial XI #Panamá Penedo; L. Henriquez, Chen, Baloy, Román, A. Henríquez, Gavilán, Jiménez, Quintero; Pérez y Torres.
— Univision Deportes (@UnivisionSports) October 12, 2013
Kickoff is at 9:30 p.m. ET from Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. You can catch the game on Univision Deportes and ESPN News in the United States.
Note: This post was edited after changes were made to earlier announced lineups.
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