LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017) –
LA Galaxy forward Giovani dos Santos and the Mexican National Team are set to face Iceland on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. PT at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas as part of Mexico’s 2017 U.S. Tour.
The Galaxy forward most recently represented Mexico when he started in both of Mexico’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers last year, helping his side earn four points including a 2-1 win over the USMNT in Columbus, Ohio. The 27-year-old forward has made 86 appearances for Mexico all time, scoring 15 goals.
“It’s always an honor to represent my country,” said Dos Santos to reporters on Friday. “It’s the first game of the year and we hope to do our best and give everything for our country.”
The game will serve as an important opportunity for both national teams to fine-tune their lineups ahead of critical FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Mexico, currently ranked 17
th
in the FIFA Rankings, will use the Vegas event as preparation for CONCACAF qualifying games against Costa Rica and Trinidad & Tobago in March.
Iceland, currently ranked 21
st
in the world by FIFA, on the heels of its impressive quarterfinal finish in the 2016 UEFA European Championship, will look to sure-up its squad before facing Kosovo as part of UEFA World Cup qualifying, also in March.
“I think at this level; all the games are very difficult. Iceland played a great European Championship and were one of the surprises in the tournament,” added Dos Santos.
Though youth Mexican national teams have played in Las Vegas in the past, the Feb. 8 game will be the first time the senior squad will visit the City of Lights.
“It’s a great motivation to be in Las Vegas and be able to give some joy to the Mexican fans in Vegas, and we hope to give them a victory,” concluded the LA Galaxy forward.
Mexico and Iceland have faced-off twice all-time, with both games resulting in scoreless draws and both games played on U.S. soil. The last of the two encounters, played in 2010, drew more than 60,000 fans to Bank of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
Tickets for the match are still available online via
www.UNLVtickets.com
, by calling 702-739-FANS, or visit any La Bonita Supermarket.
