Mexico find the perfect defensive partnership

The Mexico national team have in Johan Vásquez and César Montes, two centre-backs who have helped strengthen the country’s backline. Both defenders have started seven games in which El Tri have not conceded a single goal.

Since the arrival of head coach Jaime Lozano, the defensive pair have been regulars. The first time the centre-back pairing played together was in 2021, with current Inter Miami boss Tata Martino in charge. On that night, Mexico defeated Panama 3-0 in a friendly match, with Montes and Vásquez responsible for stopping the opposition attack.

Later, in 2022, the same backline defended against the USMNT and Honduras, but it was with Lozano as national team head coach that the two European-based players took over. In the Gold Cup, they featured in the entire knockout stage, against Costa Rica (2-0), Jamaica (3-0) and Panama (1-0).

Against Ghana, Vásquez and Montes were again in the starting line-up and nullified the threat coming against Mexico.

Set to start for Mexico against Germany

According to Lozano, the in-form defenders could be back in the team to face Germany on Tuesday. If it is confirmed that the two will start, they will have their work cut out against a Germany side who have just beaten the USMNT 3-1 but will be eyeing another clean sheet.