Boyz big problem for Mexico

CALI, (AP):

RIDING high after an upset win over Brazil, Mexico are looking to guarantee a berth in the second round of the Copa America when they face Paraguay today.

Brazil and Peru will complete the action in Group B.

Mexico's new coach Javier Aguirre has more than Paraguay on his mind. His main concern is Jamaica, Mexico's next rivals in the World Cup qualifying series, where the team is facing difficult times.

"What interests me, and nothing else, is the game against Jamaica," Aguirre said after the 1-0 victory over Brazil. It was Mexico's second win in as many games since Aguirre replaced Miguel Meza as head coach, both with goals by Jared Borgetti.

Earlier, Mexico had defeated the United States 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier.

After six games, Mexico are in fifth place in the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying series with seven points. The United States and Costa Rica have 10 points, Jamaica and Honduras eight. Only three will qualify for the 2002 World Cup finals in South Korea and Japan.

Aguirre suggested he will make some changes today in the team that beat Brazil. The idea is mainly to test some of the new players he selected for the team, "because those who played against Brazil showed intelligence, dedication and courage."

Paraguayan coach Sergio Markarian doesn't have the same worries. His team is in second place in the South American qualifying group and has virtually guaranteed a spot in the World Cup finals.

Still, Markarian must find a solution for his suddenly porous defense, traditionally a strong point of Paraguayan teams. In its opening game against Peru, Paraguay fell behind three times, and needed a goal in injury time to salvage a 3-3 tie.

"What happened in our debut goes beyond all limits," Markarian said after the game. "Our rivals created four scoring situations and scored three goals ... that's impossible."

One reason could be the absence of starting goalie and team captain Jose Luis Chilavert, who stayed home, criticising the lack of safety in Colombia. Markarian also decided not to call defenders Carlos Gamarra, Celso Ayala and Francisco Arce, all veterans of the 1998 World Cup in France.

Against Mexico, Paraguay also will be without defender Denis Caniza, who was suspended for one match after being expelled in the debut against Peru.

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