I've not stopped looking into the World Cup for the past couple of weeks now, and one guy I want to highlight ahead of the opener is Erik Lira (Mexico).
He's going to do the dirty work in defensive midfield, and I'll be keeping my eye on him for fouls and cards throughout the tournament.
One thing I found funny. Mexico automatically qualified, so most of the games he's played have been friendlies purely for chemistry and fitness, and he's still been an absolute nutter.
Across eight friendlies he's committed 15 fouls, an average of 2.74 per 90. I'll say it again, these are friendlies.
Mexico are set to play all of their games in Mexico, giving them a huge home advantage as their fans will completely dominate these grounds. Lira has already said "Nobody will beat us in Mexico," and you can just tell he's a player ready to put it all on the line.
Domestically, he's the club captain of Cruz Azul, who won the Mexican league. He picked up seven cards in the league alone and is clearly a huge leader.
To sum all of this up, Lira recently said "Anyone who wants to come to the Azteca and win is going to leave dead."
So when he's causing carnage, don't say I didn't tell you so.
El minuto a minuto de #LaFinalDeLaAfición. 👏🏻
Recapitúlemos todo lo que ocurrió en aquella noche del 24 de mayo en la cancha de Ciudad Universitaria entre Auriazules y Celestes. ⚽️
#ConMéxicoC26
Cemento Cruz Azul Aguascalientes participó en el desfile conmemorativo por el 480 aniversario de la fundación de Tepezalá, reafirmando su compromiso con la historia, la identidad y el desarrollo de la comunidad.
#𝗡𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗥𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗼́𝗻 #FamiliaCruzAzul #FamiliaCruzAzul
¡¡FAN DE LA MÁQUINA!! 💙💙
Adam Devonshire, bajista de IDLES, salió ayer a tocar con una camiseta retro de Cruz Azul. 👌🏻
Cabe mencionar que el músico es aficionado del Azul, incluso hace un par de años se tatuó a costalito. 👏🏻
@idlesband fue el invitado especial para abrirle dos fechas a System of a Down en el Estadio GNP. 🎸