ATLANTA (AP) — From the heights of Mexico City to the memory of Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” goal, England will have to fight. harsh conditions And the weight of history as we play against co-host Mexico. world cup on sunday.
of aztec stadium The venue, where the last-16 match was played and the scene of Maradona’s memorable goal against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals, is perched more than 7,300 feet (2,200 meters) above sea level. With little time to adapt, the situation is against the England team and heavily favors Mexico, who are unbeaten in 10 of the three World Cup home stadium matches.
“My understanding is that they can’t adapt to the altitude. That’s really a big advantage for Mexico,” England coach Thomas Tuchel said. “It’s taking too long.”
For elite athletes to perform at their best at high altitude, they require an adaptation period to reduce fatigue caused by lower air pressure and reduced oxygen availability. Sports scientists typically recommend an extended acclimatization period of at least two weeks, or a “fly-in, fly-out” method of arriving as close to game time as possible before acute symptoms appear.
England, who arrived in the US early to prepare for the high temperatures at this year’s World Cup and held a pre-tournament training camp in Florida, will depart from their home base in Kansas City for Mexico on Friday.
Tuchel accepts that altitude is an inevitable issue, but the much-criticized hydration break could be a key factor. He used them to help turn the tide in England’s Round of 32 match against Congo. Regrouping for a 2-1 victory After conceding an early goal.
“I’m making the most of it,” Tuchel said. “You know, I don’t really love them. I enjoy it more when the football has momentum…but of course they’re here, so why not try to take advantage of it?”
The Aztecs have painful memories for England. Forty years ago, Argentina eliminated the 1966 champions in the quarter-finals in a match that produced two of Maradona’s most iconic moments in this stadium. He scored one goal with his own hands, running from the halfway line and dribbling past several English players, beating goalkeeper Peter Shilton before scoring another goal that many believe is the best in the history of the competition.
Tuchel said fate would be on England’s side 40 years later.
“We will get it back. It’s karma,” Tuchel said. “Karma will come back for us. We will turn things around.”
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James Robson is https://x.com/James Saran Robson
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