‘It’s karma’: Thomas Tuchel backs England to rewrite Aztec history 40 years after Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ | Football News
England manager Thomas Tuchel believes fortune may finally be in his side’s favor when the Three Lions return to the iconic Estadio Azteca, insisting “it’s karma” as they prepare to face co-hosts Mexico in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup.forty years later Diego MaradonaThe infamous “Hand of God” goal helped Argentina knock out England at the same venue during the 1986 World Cup and Tuchel said history could come full circle on Sunday.England not only face a passionate home crowd but also the daunting challenge of playing at an altitude of more than 7,300 feet (2,200 meters), while Mexico holds an unbeaten record in 10 World Cups across three World Cups.
England’s return to Aztec ‘it’s karma’
Despite acknowledging the huge challenge posed by the altitude, Tuchel was confident when asked about England’s return to one of football’s most historic stadiums.“We will get it back. It’s karma,” Tuchel said. “Karma will come back for us. We will turn this around.”The German coach admits there is little England can do in terms of physical preparation.“My understanding is that we can’t adapt to the altitude. That’s where Mexico will have a huge advantage,” Tuchel said. “It takes too much time.”Sports scientists usually recommend that athletes undergo at least a two-week acclimatization period when competing at high altitudes, but England did not have that luxury after training in Kansas City following pre-match training in Florida.Instead, Tuchel hopes his players can overcome these conditions through tactical discipline and mental toughness.
Hydration breaks can be decisive
With altitude expected to test both teams, Tuchel believes hydration breaks could once again become a valuable tactical tool.England made effective use of timeouts in their last-32 win over Democratic Republic of Congo, recovering from an early defeat to win 2-1.“I took full advantage of that,” Tuchel said. “You know I don’t really love them. I prefer football when it’s dynamic, but of course they’re here, why wouldn’t I try to take advantage?”The Estadio Azteca remains one of England’s most painful World Cup venues after Maradona scored one of the greatest individual goals in World Cup history after scoring his controversial ‘Hand of God’ goal in the 1986 quarter-finals.Forty years later, England have the chance to create even better memories at this famous stadium.
Post Comment