History in the World Cup:
With 14 appearances in the 19 World Cup editions, Mexico is a national team, whose performance can hardly ever be predicted. Disappointing in 1966, they made the quarter-finals just four years later, but they were playing at home. Currently ranked 19th in the FIFA World Rankings, el Tri belongs to CONCACAF confederation.
Road to World Cup 2014:
La Verde’s qualification to the Brazil World Cup was not easy and ended up having to be won with playoffs. During the third round, Mexico impressed by winning all six games and getting scored on only once. However, in the fourth and final part of the qualifying round for the CONCACAF, el Tricolor struggled and could only achieve the fourth place, which gave the Mexican access to the playoffs. During the fourth round, Mexico lost to Honduras, Panama, and the United States, managing only two wins. Fortunately, el Tri could win the playoffs against New Zealand with a comfortable aggregate result of 9-3.
Mexico will have a very difficult challenge in Brazil this Summer
The player to watch:
Amongst many talented Mexican players, such as Oribe Peralta, Guardado, and Giovani dos Santos, the deadliest player remains certainly Javier Hernandez. Despite his disappointing season with Manchester United, where the striker could not find continuity, Chicharito’s numbers with his country are beyond stellar. The young Mexican scored a whopping 35 goals in just 59 appearances for el Tri. On his way out from the Old Trafford, Chicharito wants to show to potential buyers what he is worth.
Chicharito will be expected to keep up his extremely successful numbers
A glance at the coach:
Miguel Herrera, currently coaching the Mexican national team, was given the task, mid-qualification, to lead Mexico to Brazil. The Mexican manager delivered and that should not surprise you. Former Mexico’s defender, had a very positive experience as America’s coach, winning the Liga MX in 2013. Herrera secured the playoffs by nominating a slightly more experienced team that quickly understood him. However for the World Cup, the Mexican coach opted for a more evenly meshed group, composed of experienced players, as well as younger ones.
Andres Guardado's overlapping runs could make the difference this Summer
Mexico’s Roster:
La Verde’s final 23-man squad showcases Herrera’s plan to have a team of young players, with a few experienced veterans in the spine of the team. For instance, 35-year old Rafa Marquez, will very likely be one of the two centre-backs, providing experienced to the back-line with his 115 caps. Meanwhile, also as a defender, Herrera will use Andres Guardado. The 27-year old, who plays for Leverkusen, is a formidable left-back, with a great ability to push forward. Again up front, the Mexican manager will rely on combinations between the two young talents, Javier Hernandez and dos Santos, with the veteran Oribe Peralta.
Rafa Marquez was instrumental in the playoff games against New Zealand
