RUSTENBURG, South Africa (AP) — Mexico and Uruguay need only a draw in their Group A match today to qualify for the next round of the World Cup, so both may choose to play cautiously to ensure they advance.

Mexico and Uruguay each have four points, while South Africa and France both have one point apiece. So, both France and the host nation will be eliminated from the World Cup if Mexico and Uruguay draw.

Mexico have fielded attacking line-ups in their two previous matches, in a 4-3-3 formation. The strategy has won praise from pundits and other teams. Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino has said that Mexico is the best team he’s seen at the tournament so far.

The biggest decision Mexico coach Javier Aguirre will have to make for today’s match at Royal Bafokeng Stadium is who will be in his forward line.

Aguirre may choose to go with youngster Javier Hernandez over veteran Guillermo Franco, who started in Mexico’s 1-1 draw against South Africa in the opening match and the 2-0 win over France.

But it was the 22-year-old Hernandez who made headlines when he followed in the footsteps of his grandfather — who scored in the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland — by scoring the opening goal as a substitute against France.

Carlos Vela, who also started in the two previous matches, is not available because of a right leg injury, according to the Mexico football federation website. Aguirre may decide to go with Pablo Barrera, the forward who replaced Vela when he was injured late in the first half against France.

Barrera impressed against France in his first World Cup appearance and is a strong candidate to fill in. The forward believes Mexico shouldn’t be planning for a draw, but instead chase victory.

“We have to go for the three points to be certain about qualifying,” Barrera said. “We have to always do our best in each match and of course we want the three points.”

Mexico players trained at the stadium yesterday afternoon, starting out with ball-control drills and stretching exercises.

Vela did not participate with the rest of the squad in the first 15 minutes of training and walked gingerly around the pitch for a couple of laps before alternating between light jogging and walking. He was accompanied by a trainer.

Mexico have an inferior goal difference to Uruguay, meaning they will finish second in the group in the event of a draw, and then would likely face a dominant Argentina in the round of 16. Aguirre will also be without midfielder Efrain Juarez, who is suspended after picking up two yellow cards.

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez announced Sunday that the team’s starting lineup will be the same as the one used in the win over South Africa. Forwards Diego goal, and Luis Suarez will lead the attack.

Mexico’s national team players warm-up during a training session at the Royal Bafokeng stadium in Rustenburg, Monday, yesterday. (Photo: AP)