Defeat could cost Sven his job

Mexico manager Sven-Goran Eriksson believes he could be out of a job later this month if his side fail to beat Costa Rica in their World Cup qualifying fixture.

The former England boss has faced fierce criticism following last month’s 2-0 loss to neighbours the United States and is aware there is no margin for error as Mexico bid for a place at South Africa 2010.

“I know perfectly that we cannot lose against Costa Rica or even tie, but (we must) win,” Eriksson said.

“If not, to be honest, life would be very difficult for me and maybe ends then, but that’s football.

“It is not a surprise for me, Mexico have to be at the 2010 World Cup.”

Mexico sit alongside Honduras at the bottom of the CONCACAF standings after one match of the final qualifying round.

Eriksson confirmed Aaron Galindo, Jonny Magallon, Ricardo Osorio and Carlos Salcido will be available for the March 28 encounter with Costa Rica at the Azteca Stadium.

But first he is concentrating on the final preparation match for that encounter, Wednesday’s friendly with Bolivia in Denver, Colorado.

“I am not worried about that now (Costa Rica), we have to be focused on Bolivia now and we have to win,” he said.