Mexico coach Javier Aguirre has stressed the importance of winning the Group A match against Uruguay and insists his side will not settle for a draw that would take both teams through.

There are fears the two sides may play out a stalemate at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium - and dump rivals South Africa and France out of the competition in the process.

FIFA stated last week they expect all 32 finalists in South Africa to play fairly and Aguirre is adamant his side will be going all out to win.

"We're going to try and win," the El Tri boss said. "We can be first, second, third or even fourth in the group.

"The law of the Mexican side is to win. If as a consequence of what happens on the pitch there's a draw or a defeat and we both qualify with no major goal differences, then we'll both be happy.

"But I can guarantee the Mexican side is going to go out there to try and win."

The Mexicans, who have a solid record at World Cups having reached the last 16 in four straight tournaments since 1994, also have the added incentive of avoiding a clash with Argentina in the second round if they can top the group.

Aguirre continued: "My players are very relaxed and know they can be either first or second in the group. They know they have to be fully focussed because we still haven't achieved anything, so we have no reason to feel happy.

"Mathematically we still don't have our ticket to the next round and we have to try and take those three points, so that we can achieve our aims for the first round."

Aguirre's side have had an excellent tournament so far, drawing the opening match against the hosts 1-1, before easing past France 2-0.

The coach believes their pre-tournament work is finally paying off.

He added: "We've been working together now for about 75 days. Judging by the players' behaviour on and off the pitch, I think we're doing very well.

"We're in good form. I don't have variables to measure the mood, the physical status and the footballing feeling of the team.

"But all the games we've played together, I've seen huge enthusiasm, all with a will and wish to win. We lost against England and Holland but we've always been enthusiastic.

"We've defended our style and our approach. Of course, we've made mistakes and we've paid a high price. I hope we don't make mistakes and have a perfect game and can win."

Two players will definitely be out for Mexico - Arsenal striker Carlos Vela, who has a hamstring problem, and the suspended Efrain Juarez.

"We are very sad about Vela, that's a concern," said Aguirre. "But I've got 21 players available and their all physically and mentally very strong."

Oscar Tabarez is not worried about who his Uruguay team may play in the next round despite a potential South American derby against Argentina being on the cards.

La Celeste are on the brink of securing a place in the last 16 and a point against Mexico will ensure their progress.

It will also keep them in the number one position in Group A and help avoid a meeting with their continental neighbours, who are on course to top Group B.

However, Tabarez said: "I'm not even thinking about future matches. It's not a question of wanting to play with this team or that other team and I'm certainly not praying to do that or lighting candles.

"I've participated in prior World Cups and I know you have to come to a World Cup not thinking about this. We know which rivals we're going to have to play months in advance and all the possible permutations.

"What we want to do is qualify for the next round and in addition we want to top the group if we can but not because we want to avoid Argentina. So I've certainly not stopped to think about this."

As for those thinking the two countries may play out a deliberate draw that will render the South Africa-France clash meaningless. Tabarez added: "I think it's just lots of people being creative and also lacking respect for those of us, the players and the coaches, that are going to be playing in that match.

"But people can talk for free, so let's just leave it there."