Mexico are travelling to South Africa for their 14th appearance at the World Cup finals, a title they have not yet claimed. This year, the 2010 World Cup represents the fifth consecutive tournament the Mexicans have made it to – and with their dominant force will hope to make a positive impact this year.
Mexico are travelling to South Africa for their 14th appearance at the World Cup finals, a title they have not yet claimed.
It may not have been the best couple of years mentally for the team as the lead up to the 2010 World Cup, with three coaches making their mark and moving on, but nevertheless the Mexicans have proved they deserve to be in South Africa. Now that Javier Aguirre has settled the movement in the head coach department, a combination of experienced faces along with new talent will hope to do their nation proud on the pitch.
The road to South Africa saw the Mexicans finish second in their group in what was an erratic campaign due to issues off the pitch, while arch rivals the USA finished top. Placed in the CONCACAF zone, Mexico faced tough sides such as Jamaica, Canada and Honduras, and turned around a 2-1 deficit to El Salvador to qualify for the 2010 World Cup with a game to spare.
Mexico have been drawn in Group A for the tournament, where they will be up against hosts South Africa, France and Uruguay. The French are favourite to top the group, with Mexico and Uruguay the two teams realistically battling it out for second place. If all goes according to the stats, Mexico will have a tough challenge in the next round where they will be up against Argentina, but having been knocked out at this stage of the tournament in the last four world cups will hope to go one step further in South Africa.
Mexico’s Group A Schedule
No. |
Date |
Match |
Location |
Kick-Off (Local) |
Kick-Off (AEST) |
| 1 | 11.06.10 | South Africa V Mexico | Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg | 16.00 | 00.00 (12.06.10) |
| 18 | 17.06.10 | France V Mexico | Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane | 20.30 | 04.30 (18.06.10) |
| 33 | 22.06.10 | Mexico V Uruguay | Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenberg | 16.00 | 00.00 (23.06.10) |
KEY PLAYERS:
RAFAEL MARQUEZ (CAPTAIN)
Born: 13.02.1979 in Zamora, Mexico
Height: 1.83 metres
Position: Defender
Club: Barcelona, La Liga
International Debut: Vs Ecuador (05.02.1997)
Rafael Marquez has been skipper of his country since the 2002 World Cup, when he was just 23 year-old and was a stand out for the team, although did exit the tournament on a red card. Marquez has been a pivotal part of the side since his emersion onto the international stage, and this will be the second world cup he has led his country to. The skipper is superbly versatile, although is a solid player in central defence known for his great ability to read a game.
CUAUHTEMOC BLANCO
Born: 17.01.1979 in Mexico City, Mexico
Height: 1.78 metres
Position: Forward
Club: Veracruz, Liga de Ascenso
International Debut: 1995
With 118 international caps to his name, Cuauhtemoc Blanco is one of the most experienced of the Mexicans heading to South Africa. Having played in two world cups, the 36 year-old was brought out of retirement by Aguirre, and his expertise on this highly scrutinised stage will be pivotal for the younger, more vulnerable players in his side. Blanco heads to South Africa as the second highest scoring player for Mexico and seeing as this will be his last appearance in a World Cup will want to go out in style.
GIOVANI DOS SANTOS
Born: 11.05.1989 in Monterrey, Mexico
Height: 1.74 metres
Position: Midfielder
Club: Tottenham Hotspur, English Premier League
International Debut: Vs Guatemala (2007)
Giovani dos Santos was a member of the U17 Mexican side which won the 2005 U17 World Cup, and has since gone from strength to strength. He has quickly made his mark on the senior side, being named man of the match against Venezuela in a game where he scored his first two goals for his country. Dos Santos has been a huge factor in many of the goals the Mexican side has scored on their way to the World Cup, and his ability to score and assist is one opponents should certainly fear.
MEXICAN SQUAD
Position |
Name |
| Coach | Javier AGUIRRE |
| Goalkeepers | Luis MICHEL |
| Guillermo OCHOA | |
| Oscar PEREZ | |
| Defenders | Paul AGUILAR |
| Efrain JUAREZ | |
| Jonny MAGALLON | |
| Rafael MARQUEZ | |
| Hector MORENO | |
| Ricardo OSORIO | |
| Francisco RODRIGUEZ | |
| Carlos SALCIDO | |
| Midfielders | Israel CASTRO |
| Andrew GUARDADO | |
| Jorge TORRES | |
| Gerardo TORRADO | |
| Forwards | Pablo BARRERA |
| Adolfo BAUTISTA | |
| Cuauhtemoc BLANCO | |
| Giovani DOS SANTOS | |
| Guillermo FRANCO | |
| Javier HERNANDEZ | |
| Alberto MEDINA | |
| Carlos VELA |
