Javier Aguirre claims Mexico need to be perfect ahead of Ecuador match

[p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/mexico/O6iHcNkd/"]Mexico[/a] topped Group A with three wins, ‌six goals and conceded none, while [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/ecuador/8tbm8Tri/"]Ecuador[/a] reached the knockout stage ‌after a 2-1 comeback win over [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/germany/ptQide1O/"]Germany[/a].[/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/aguirre-javier/2gjul1lr/"]Aguirre[/a], who has ‌coached Mexico at two previous World Cups, said Monday's [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/ecuador-8tbm8Tri/mexico-O6iHcNkd/?mid=fydIxpfR"]last-32 build-up[/a] felt different because of the stage and setting.[/p][p]"[b]This is the first ‌time ever that playing at home is ⁠like playing your number ‌12,[/b]" Aguirre said. "[b]Nonetheless, we are aware that we have a country ​backing us, which is highly, highly encouraging and motivating.[/b]"[/p][p]Ecuador, however, arrive with momentum and a pressing game ​Aguirre clearly respects.[/p][p]"[b]I expect a very intense Ecuador team. That is how (Sebastian) Beccacece's teams are: very intense, with very ⁠high pressing, very committed ​when tracking back, very combative in one-on-one duels.[/b]"[/p][p]"[b]They are among the best of the 48 participating teams. They are a very intense team, very brave, just like their coach,[/b]" the ‌67-year-old Mexican coach added.[/p][p]"[b]All I can say is that we will have to play an almost perfect match to remain in the competition.[/b]"[/p][embed guid="a9adb8f2-95cb-4128-acce-df547c83b232" url="https://x.com/AllFutbolMX/status/2071680507146870927?s=20" social-type="twitter" /][p]Mexico have not won a World Cup knockout match since 1986, when Aguirre was part of the squad. Asked about that history, he accepted responsibility for past failures.[/p][p]"[b]I made mistakes. I'm certain that I made mistakes in both cases, and I will certainly keep on ‌making mistakes throughout my career because you're here to learn,[/b]" ​he said, referring to when he took charge at ‌World Cups in 2002 and 2010.[/p][p]"[b]What matters most is that you do not make the same mistakes.[/b]"[/p][p]Despite the pressure, Aguirre urged his squad to remain calm and stick to their plan.[/p][p]"[b]The message is the same: match ⁠by match, day by ⁠day, and try to ‌play better each time.[/b]"[/p]