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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Mexico gets last chance to qualify for FIFA World Cup

Mexico has one last chance to reach next year’s World Cup in Brazil. El Tri, which last missed a World Cup in 1990, opens a two-game playoff today ( ESPN, 12:15 p.m.) against New Zealand, with the winner earning a World Cup berth. Mexico should be the overwhelming favorite, particularly today at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The 100,000-capacity stadium sits is always loud and intimidating, and – at an altitude of 7,350 feet – the thin air makes it even worse for visitors. The second leg is Nov. 20 in Wellington, New Zealand. Mexico will try to pile up the goals in hopes of an overwhelming advantage in the second game. New Zealand figures to defend heavily. – AP