.@Marianot19 thinks #ElTri played well against Portugal, but has concerns about their match against New Zealand. https://t.co/IsTOs76fJw
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 20, 2017
Giovani dos Santos and Mexico will look to put themselves in the driver seat for qualification to the Knockout Round of the Confederations Cup when they face off against New Zealand (FS1/10 a.m. PT) in Sochi.
Mexico earned a late 2-2 draw with European Champions Portugal on Sunday with dos Santos entering in the second half. El Tri will take on a New Zealand side considered one of the weakest teams in the competition coming off a 2-0 defeat to host Russia. A win over New Zealand would give Mexico strong positioning heading into the final match of the group stage.
With head coach Juan Carlos Osorio likely to make changes, dos Santos could be among several players who benefit from the lineup moves.
"We're thinking of giving opportunities to others to once again put out a very fresh and very competitive team," Osorio said upon arrival in Sochi on Monday. "There are some very good options to refresh the team, but we will take into account the medical examinations to make the decisions."
Following the New Zealand match, the CONCACAF Champions will end the opening round on Saturday against the Russians.
