Mexico's Aguirre dismisses talk of collusion

Jun 21, 2010, 16:47 GMT

Rustenburg, South Africa - Mexico coach Javier Aguirre insisted on Monday his side will try to win their final Group A match against Uruguay, even though a draw would see both sides through.

France and South Africa face off in the group's other game, seeking a win that, with the requisite swing in goal difference, could carry them through at the expense of a loser in the Mexico-Uruguay match.

Asked about the possibility of an arranged result - and the British bookmaker William Hill rates the odds of a draw at 5-4 on, much lower than would be usual - Aguirre was indignant.

'I had never heard those rumours until you have asked me about it,' he said. 'We will try to go out there to win, and Uruguay will go out to win, and football will win.

'Let's hope it's going to be a robust well-played game, and the best side will win. If we draw because of what happens on the pitch, we'll both be happy but I can guarantee we will go out to win.'

Although a draw would secure Mexico's progress, it would also set up a likely meeting with Argentina, arguably the most impressive side so far, in the second round.

'We need to stay cool, calm and collected,' Aguirre went on. 'We're only thinking about winning - let's see if we can do it. If we go out with doubts about losing, we might invite defeat.'

He acknowledged that Uruguay will be formidable opponents. 'Up until now Uruguay have been the best team in the group,' he said.

'The Uruguay side is extremely powerful, they haven't conceded a goal, and have many talented players, not just Diego (Forlan).'

Mexico have developed a highly fluent style, morphing from 4-3-3 to 3-4-3, and seemingly becoming more defensively secure over the course of a long pre-tournament tour of Europe.

'We've been together 75 days, and things are going well,' Aguirre said. 'We're in very good form.

'All the matches we've played together, there's been huge enthusiasm, and a will and a wish to win.'

Mexico were beaten 3-1 by England, in a friendly in which they dominated possession, and 2-1 by the Netherlands, and Aguirre now regards both those games as key learning experiences.

'We made mistakes,' he said, 'and we paid a heavy price, but we've learned and always defended our style and our approach.'