How far will Mexico go?

A few days ago Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said he has the best generation of Mexican players ever and that the team is ready to make history in South Africa.

Therefore, before the friendlies begin in earnest this Saturday against Ecuador, it's about time to give a realistic rundown of Mexico's chances this June ... because they'll need to do something special to still be in South Africa come July.

If you believe the press here and some of what the players are coming out with, Mexico can go a long way.

The reality, however, is somewhat harsher.

Mexico are a well organized team (and they should be considering how often they play) with limited individual talent. The best players such as Rafa Marquez, the veteran Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Andres Guardado and Manchester United’s new signing Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez simply don’t cut it if you compare them with the top players for the teams that could challenge for the World Cup: Spain, Brazil, Argentina, England, Holland.

Mexico’s dilemma: against average or poor teams they have a good chance, but when they come up against one of the top teams, their lack of true quality will show.

Based on that analysis, they should get out of Group A. South Africa are poor and unless they can really raise their game at home, Mexico should beat them. Mexico’s following game against France could be more complicated and all depends on which France team shows up. If France play like they did against Ireland and like they did in qualifying, there’s no reason why Mexico can’t sneak a draw or better. The final group game against Uruguay could go either way; it could also be the elimination match for who goes through to the round of 16.

Fast forward to the next round and it all depends if Mexico are facing Argentina (Group B) or not. It’ll be crying in the tequila time if it is the disliked Argentines.
If el Tri play one of the other three teams from Group B, Mexico has a decent chance of progressing to the Quarter Finals, where they will surely trip up against one of the favourites.