Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre has recalled Raul Jimenez and Erik Lira to his starting XI for Tuesday’s World Cup Round of 32 showdown against Ecuador at the Estadio Azteca.
After rotating several key players for the final group-stage match against the Czech Republic, with Mexico already assured of top spot in Group A, Aguirre has restored a number of first-choice names for the knockout encounter.
Jimenez returns to spearhead the attack, while Lira comes back into midfield as Mexico look to book their place in the Round of 16.
Captain Edson Alvarez starts on the bench, with experienced defender Cesar Montes handed the captain’s armband.
Meanwhile, Ecuador boss Sebastian Beccacece has opted to stick with the same lineup that produced a memorable 2-1 victory over Germany in the final group-stage match.
Veteran striker Enner Valencia leads the attack as he looks to add to his national-record tally of 49 international goals.
Mexico XI: Raul Rangel, Jorge Sanchez, Cesar Montes (captain), Johan Vasquez, Jesus Gallardo, Erik Lira, Luis Romo, Gilberto Mora, Raul Jimenez, Julian Quinones, Roberto Alvarado.
Ecuador XI: Hernan Galindez, Piero Hincapie, Joel Ordonez, Willian Pacho, Pedro Vite, Alan Franco, Moises Caicedo, John Yeboah, Enner Valencia, Gonzalo Plata, Nilson Angulo.
