Mexico World Cup Squad Preview

Written by Tony Concannon Sunday, 23 May 2010 11:35

World Cup Squad Previews

Coach Javier Aguirre deserves a huge amount of credit for guiding the Mexico squad to what will be their 14th appearance at the World Cup finals. Aguirre led the Mexican team to six wins in their final nine games in qualifying, helping them to recover from a disastrous start under Sven Goran Eriksson.

Aguirre has instilled a sense of belief and confidence in his squad and has a talented group of players at his disposal. They are led by Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez, and although no longer a regular at the Camp Nou, he has the experience if not the pace to cope in South Africa. Arsenal's Carlos Vela and West Ham striker Guillermo Franco provide exciting attacking options up front and it will be worth checking out new Manchester United signing Javier Hernandez. Tottenham's Giovani, who has never really settled at White Hart Lane and is currently on loan at Galatasaray, is also selected.

Mexico could well prove to be tricky opponents this summer. They are placed in Group A with hosts South Africa, France and Uruguay, and I feel they have enough ability to make progress to the knock out stages. They are ranked 15 in the world, so the final 16 (which they reached in both 1970 and 1986) is not beyond them. A good start in the opening game of the tournament against South Africa on Friday 11th June is vital to further boost confidence and belief. They come to this World Cup with good momentum and an early win could see them progress into the knockout stages on a wave of optimism. They could well leave some teams standing, and who knows where it will stop? 

Some may suggest the 9/4 on offer at Betfair to be eliminated at the Round of 16 stage is a fair bet.

Mexico squad:

Goalkeepers: Oscar Perez (Chiapas), Guillermo Ochoa (America), Luis Ernesto Michel (Guadalajara)

Defenders: Rafael Marquez (Barcelona), Ricardo Osorio (Stuttgart), Francisco Rodriguez, Carlos Salcido (both PSV Eindhoven), Hector Moreno (AZ Alkmaar), Paul Aguilar (Pachuca), Efrain Juarez (Pumas UNAM), Jonny Magallon (Guadalajara), Juan Carlos Valenzuela (America), Jorge Torres Nilo (Atlas), Adrian Aldrete (Morelia)

Midfielders: Andres Guardado (Deportivo La Coruna), Jonathan dos Santos (Barcelona), Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul), Israel Castro (Pumas UNAM), Giovani dos Santos (Galatasaray, on loan from Tottenham)

Forwards: Pablo Barrera (Pumas UNAM), Adolfo Bautista, Alberto Medina (both Guadalajara), Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Veracruz), Carlos Vela (Arsenal), Javier Hernandez (Manchester United), Guillermo Franco (West Ham)

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