Hernandez set to start

21 June 2010 22:09

Mexico youngster Javier Hernandez is expected to be given his first start of the World Cup in the Group A decider against Uruguay.

Arsenal striker Carlos Vela is struggling with a hamstring injury so new Manchester United signing Hernandez will take his place.

With defender Efrain Juarez ruled out through suspension, manager Javier Aguirre is prepared to give Paul Aguilar a starting berth. Group leaders Uruguay have no injury or suspension worries to contend with and can welcome back Nicolas Lodeiro from suspension.

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre has stressed the importance of beating Uruguay and insists his side will not settle for a draw that would take both teams through.

There are fears that the two sides may play out a stalemate at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium - and dump rivals South Africa and France out of the competition in the process.

FIFA stated last week that they expect all 32 finalists in South Africa to play fairly and Aguirre is adamant that his side will be going all out to win.

"We're going to try and win," the El Tri boss said. "We can be first, second, third or even fourth in the group.

"The law of the Mexican side is to win. If as a consequence of what happens on the pitch there's a draw or a defeat and we both qualify with no major goal differences, then we'll both be happy. But I can guarantee that the Mexican side is going to go out there to try and win."

Uruguay striker Diego Forlan would prefer to avoid meeting Argentina in the last 16 of the World Cup, not because he fears Diego Maradona's in-form side but because he wants as many South American teams to be in the quarter-finals as possible.

"We respect them as they respect us, but as South Americans the further we get the better. If we have to face them further down the line we will do it happily, but for one of us to be eliminated in the last 16 is a waste," said Forlan. "It's not because of fear, we know that we can win or lose, and they know the same, but because the more South American teams there are later on the better."

Source: PA