Olympic top scorer Moussa Konate of Senegal will try to solve a Mexico defense that has yet to concede a goal when these teams meet in a quarterfinal at Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday.
Konate has all four goals for Senegal, which drew 1-1 with the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday to take second place in Group A behind Britain. Senegal has posted two draws and a victory.
"I think we can go to the final and I think we can take the final," Konate said.
Mexico scored three goals without conceding in winning twice and drawing once to capture Group B. Japan is the only other team that has yet to allow a goal.
"We are where we are because we are playing united as a team," defender Hiram Mier told FIFA's official website. "We are playing with intensity and with a big desire to do well in this competition."
The Mexicans have blended in a young team that captured the Pan American Games on home soil this year with veteran defender Carlos Salcido, who is serving as a midfielder instead of his traditional left back position.
Salcido and Santos Laguna forward Oribe Peralta are the two overage outfield players for the Mexicans.
"This is virtually the same squad that won the Pan American Games and the Toulon tournament this year," Salcido said. "The players know each other very well and it's not been easy to come into the side just like that. It's tough, but the young guys have given me a great welcome."
Salcido's experience will be critical since this is Mexico's first game in London in this tournament after playing in Newcastle, Coventry and Cardiff. The younger players are excited about playing in historic Wembley.
"We are all looking forward to living in the Olympic Village," Mier said. "I have never been to one in my life and I'm sure it will be an extraordinary experience. The fact that we are also going to play at Wembley is very special."
Peralta had the goal Wednesday in a 1-0 victory over Switzerland while captain and goalkeeper Jose Corona – the third overage player for Mexico - recorded another shutout.
Mexico didn't face any attack-minded teams in its group against the Swiss, Gabon and South Korea. Defending against Senegal figures to be more difficult.
"Obviously we have to improve because the rivals are now stronger," coach Luis Tena told Mexico's official football website. "Senegal will be a very difficult hurdle, we have to remain solid in defense but (keep) the ball more time, (with) more depth and create more scoring options."
According to FIFA, the lone previous meeting between these senior national teams was a 1-0 victory by Mexico in Chicago two years ago in a friendly.
The winner will face Japan or Egypt in a semifinal Tuesday in London.
