Having been beaten by the Mexicans on both of their previous meetings in finals, the Belgians need to break their duck this afternoon if they are to retain control of their own fate going into the last round of games.

Manager George Leekens, another in a long list of coaches to proclaim that this these second matches mark the real start of the tournament for their sides, has made it clear there will be changes, of style and personnel, with Enzo Scifo's return to midfield looking to be the most important of three likely changes.

Neither side has a good defence, both have decent enough attacks so the key to this game is likely to be the ability of one side or the other to get on top in the centre of the field. If the Belgians manage it, and they have the technical superiority to do it even if they lack a little pace there, then they should move a substantial step closer to qualification.

There have been a couple of minor knocks in the camp with Marc Wilmots, Franky Van der Elst, Gordan Vidovic and Filip De Wilde all having to take it easy at different times in training this week but all are more or less certain to start.

The Mexicans, meanwhile, are unlikely to tinker too much with their winning formula and while Leekens has voiced the suspicion that they may play for the draw that would appear to be an unlikely gamble. Ricardo Palaez's goal against South Korea may, however, just earn his a place in the starting line up ahead of Cuauhtemec Blanco in spite of the veteran's tireless workrate last Saturday.

Possible Teams

Belgium: De Wilde, Deflandre, Staelens, Vidovic, Borkelmans, Wilmots, Van der Elst, Sciffo, Boffin, Nilis, Oliveira.

Mexico: Campos, Pardo, Suarez Sanchez, Davino, Luna, Ordiales, Lara, Ramirez, Aspe, Hernandez, Pelaez.

Referee: Hugh Dallas (Scotland).