Juan Carlos Osorio looking for Confederations Cup to Test his Team

Mexican national team boss Juan Carlos Osorio says that the upcoming 2017 Confederations Cup will be a great test for his team ahead of the real deal.

The Confederations Cup acts as the precursor to a World Cup tournament. Many teams from across the world – including the hosts of the World Cup – take part in the tournament. Traditionally, winners of the Confederations Cup have not been victorious in the World Cup itself. Mexico are not one of the teams expected to win the 2018 World Cup in Russia. However, at least reaching the quarter-finals will be a major achievement for Osorio’s team.

Osorio is aware of the quality of teams that will come to the World Cup 2018 in Russia. Further, Mexico are expected to face a lot of acclimatisation issues due to the much older climate in Russia. Mexico appeared to have a distinct advantage over teams at the World Cup 2014 largely because of the similar conditions that prevailed in their own country. Even though the Mexican national team comprises of foreign-based players like Javier Hernandez, many of the names are comfortable playing in temperate climates. Mexico will be facing teams like Chile, Germany, Australia and Russia amongst others.

Osorio says that the competition provides a good way to judge the progress Mexico have made under his regime.“The 2017 Confederations Cup will help to become familiar with the World Cup venues and it is also a good opportunity to face Russia, the host of both tournaments, and good teams as Germany, Chile, Australia, among others. The Confederations Cup is a high-level tournament and a great training for our goal of playing at the next World Cup,” said Osorio. "We are happy for playing the tournament with the best teams and to consolidate our national team, knowing that we need to get a ticket for World Cup," said Mexican Football Federation (FMF) president Decio de Maria.