Odds and Pundit's Corner

In what will hopefully become a regular feature in this blog, Mexico World Cup 2010 gets hold of some kind of personality, be it professional players or a random taco stand owner, to get their opinions of Mexico's chances in the World Cup.

Before getting started with Guadalajara football columnist Roberto Velázquez, and to give some kind of perspective, here's a run down of the latest odds involving Mexico in South Africa.

El Tri, as the Mexican team is known locally, are between 66/1 and 105/1 to win the World Cup, and are in 16th place according to the bookies, just behind rivals the U.S. and South America's Paraguay and just in front of Cameroon and Uruguay.

In the World Cup opener against South Africa, bookies have Mexico at around 6/4 on to win.

As for the Golden Boot, Manchester United's Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez is between 50/1 and 150/1. Arsenal's Carlos Vela is between 80/1 and 150/1. Both are roughly level with England striker Emile Heskey. Read into that what you will.

PUNDIT'S CORNER: Roberto Velázquez: Mexican football reporter

1) How far will Mexico get in the World Cup?

Round of 16

2) Which Mexican player should we be looking out for?

Andres Guardado, he plays for Deportivo La Coruña in Spain.

3) The most concerning problem el Tri have?

The lack of scoring ability. Too many spoiled goal opportunities.

4) What about Manchester United new boy Javier Hernandez? Does he have what it takes to have a good World Cup?

He´s a good player. But in the last games he has been under a lot of pressure, especially after he was signed by Man Utd. He still has time to gather himself, and may have a great World Cup.

5) Can Chicharito make it in the Premier League? Can he be become an important player for Manchester United?

He has the talent; he’s skillful and has a great mind set. But the competition for a centre forward position in a team like Man Utd is very tough. I think he has a 50-50 chance of becoming an important player in the Premier League.