Jonathan Dos Santos out of squad, Giovani upset

Twenty-year-old Barcelona midfielder Jonathan Dos Santos is the odd man out as coach Javier Aguirre cut the squad from 24 to 23 today (see below for full squad).

Jonathan's father, Brazilian ex-Monterrey player Zizinho, slammed the Mexican football federation and said Aguirre had "no balls."

Director of Football, Nestor De la Torre told the press of the decision.

Stated Zizinho: "We don't do what Brazil and Argentina do. Ronaldinho, Ronaldo were on the bench for their first World Cup and look what they achieved after."

Continued Zizinho: "The shirt of Mexico doesn't serve anything ... Why is Giovani (Jonathan's brother) there? Mexican football is dirty (corrupt). I don't know what there is inside."

"My son should never again put on the shirt of Mexico. For me it's trash. I respect Giovani for being there but Jonathan should wear the shirt of Brazil or Spain, there they'll respect him.

Zizinho's main grudge appears to be that Aguirre had visited Jonathan in Barcelona and heaped praise on him as the future of Mexican football.

Zizinho also says Giovani is "gutted" that his brother won't be with him in South Africa: "He doesn't want to play in the World Cup. He wanted me to come to Germany to get him. He's destroyed."

"You think Giovani will perform at the World Cup," added Zizinho. "Both of them called me crying."

The news of the state of Giovani's mind is potentially the most damaging part of what Zizinho said. Giovani is key to Mexico's chances in South Africa.

Mexico's squad, in full: Oscar Perez (Chiapas), Guillermo Ochoa (America), Luis Ernesto Michel (Guadalajara); 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), Jorge Torres Nilo (Atlas); Andres Guardado (Deportivo La Coruna), Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul), Israel Castro (Pumas UNAM), Giovani dos Santos (Galatasaray, on loan from Tottenham); Pablo Barrera (Pumas UNAM), Adolfo Bautista, Alberto Medina (both Guadalajara), Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Veracruz), Carlos Vela (Arsenal), Javier Hernandez (Manchester United), Guillermo Franco (West Ham).

Mexico 5 -1 Gambia - Goals, not sandwiches

On billboards, in TV adverts, in the newspaper and on the radio. Various prominent members of the Mexico squad have been encouraging Mexicans to "make sandwiches" in a marketing blitz by bread manufacturer Bimbo (see video below).

After a dry patch in front of goal that saw Mexico score just five in the last six friendlies against mainly inferior opposition, a group was started on Facebook which now has almost 100,000 members. The message: Make goals, not sandwiches pendejos!

Against a Gambia team ranked 93 in the world, Mexico finally did that; Chicharito buttering the bread (twice), 'Bofo' Bautista adding two fillings and Alberto 'Venado' Medina cutting it into little pieces like your mum used to.

(Apologises for the sandwich analogy)

Worringly, Gambia's goal came from a corner and Mexico still look vulnerable defending balls hoisted into the box.

Aside from a couple of nasty challenges by the Gambians (??), it was a stroll in the park for Mexico, with Gambia only showing glimpses of quality.

Luis Michel was given the nod in goal and did what he had to do competently. Against South Africa in the opening game of the World Cup, most Mexican pundits are saying it is a straight race between the other challengers for the no. 1 jersey: Guillermo Ochoa and the experienced Oscar 'Conejo' Perez.

Jonathan Dos Santos was given his chance to impress in midfield but was largely anonymous and he now becomes one of the favourites to be sent home (Mexico has 24 players currently in the squad and one still has to be axed).

The position of Rafa Marquez still seems to be up in the air for coach Javier Aguirre who alternated him today between a defensive midfield and centre back role.

Indeed the Mexican formation is still to be set in stone, with Aguirre flirting with the idea of playing three at the back.

Chicharito, who got his British work permit approved ahead of his move to Manchester United this week, played well, looked sharp and scored two poacher's goals. 'The little pea' seems to be gaining confidence at the right time before South Africa.

Arsenal's Carlos Vela, who one opinion piece writer berated for smiling when he fails to score, again failed to score despite a handful of half-chances. And he smiled.

Mexico did what was expected in the end despite blowing a few opportunities in front of goal.

The Facebookers and Twitterers may well be a little bit quieter in the next few days, at least until Mexico play Italy on Thursday.

The BIMBO bread advert can be seen here: http://bit.ly/9Zm9oV - don't know why it won't upload.

100 votes in ...

... and readers of this blog say Mexico will get to the Quarter Finals, at least according to 32 percent of voters in the poll "How far will Mexico get in the World Cup?"

Surprisingly, the second most popular option was Mexico to win the whole thing, a reflection, perhaps, of a partisan readership.

Not being one to quash dreams but according to www.oddschecker.com Mexico are between 60/1 and 100/1 in lift the trophy on July 11. A Mexico victory would be the most remarkable in the history of the competition.

The other votes were spread quite evenly between the group stage, round of 16, semi-final and final.

I think most that voted for World Champions would secretly be happy with a Quarter Final finish.

Thanks for voting.

Att: Mexico fans and press

Yes, yes, we know it's the World Cup and it's exciting and everyone wants the best possible Mexican team to support.

But, instead of pulling your hair out about how manager Javier Aguirre probably still doesn't know his starting XI against South Africa and might not even have defined the formation, let's have a bit of perspective.

England, Germany, Italy, France and most the traditional "grandes" have their own selection problems which are just as serious as Mexico's, discounting Spain.

You can't mould the team, transfer players and pump millions of dollars/pounds/pesos into quick fixes at national team level and that's the beauty of it. Twenty-three Mexicans, many from less than affluent backgrounds, together in South Africa led by a very good Mexican manager in the greatest sporting event on earth.

In the wake of swine flu, the economic crisis, the battles between drug cartels going on and the general negativity that is Mexico in the international press, the World Cup promises to be Mexico's most positive news event in some time.

Enjoy it while it lasts!

Chicharito speaks

Some translated quotes from Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez from a recent interview he did with Rumbo magazine in the United States. In it, the 21-year-old gives his opinions on coming to terms with fame, Mexico in the World Cup and almost hanging up his boots.

Full interview, in Spanish, here: http://bit.ly/aTdxIm

“The truth is that four years ago I couldn’t imagine myself being in this position and I was at the point of retiring because I wasn’t getting the opportunity to play regularly with Chivas.”

“Since I was nine I worked to get into the Premier Division (Mexico) but when I finally arrived in the first team I was on the bench a lot. I felt that I deserved the opportunity because I was working hard in the training sessions and I was so restless that I told my dad I didn’t want to play anymore.”

Fortunately for him, Chivas, the Mexican national team and hopefully Manchester United in the future, Chicharito’s dad, Javier “Chicharo” Hernandez, persuaded him to keep going.

Continues Chicharito, changing topic: “I think I always play with the mentality that I wouldn’t get another chance if I didn’t make the most of the moment. I did the same when I got called up for Mexico and I’ll do the same when I arrive at Manchester United. I will play with everything I have so Mexico’s name is held in high regard.”

On his recent fame: “I’ve learned to manage the pressure thanks to the advice of my granddad and my father, who tell me to take things one step at a time. I’m not going to put pressure on myself, I’ll simply keep doing the things that have got me to this point: dedication and hard work. Everything else will look after itself.”

On Mexico in the World Cup: “I believe that the most important thing is the game against South Africa. After that, whatever comes, comes. We can’t think in terms of maybes. We have to play the games (in front of us) and if we listen to the coach, apply ourselves and keep out concentration, I think we can go far.”

Mexico defeated by European giants, but is it all doom and gloom?

England 3 - 1 Mexico

Netherlands 2 - 1 Mexico

(videos of Mex goals below)

The results and performances contained little shock value.

What we learned is that a stable back four and goalkeeper are essential and that upfront Mexico are still missing the kind of chances that will see them returning early from South Africa with long faces. And, that playing two games in three days probably isn't the most genius pre-World Cup schedule planning ever seen.

On the positive side of things, Mexico can take confidence that they can compete with the top nations, haven't yet played their best players in one game and a genuinely good forward line may be emerging.

In the last 15 minutes against Holland, with Chicharito, Carlos Vela and Giovani forming the front three Mexico looked fast, fluid and youthful and had Holland if not on the ropes, then definitely feeling a little uncomfortable. Surely Mexico coach Aguirre noted that and they will be the forward three against South Africa on June 11. It makes Mexico a more exciting and unpredicatable team to watch.

There is, however, no guarantee especially with the vastly experienced Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Guillermo Franco pushing for places. Both have ample World Cup experience and understand the pressure of what will be a cauldron of a stadium June 11 against the hosts.

We await the games against Gambia on Sunday and then Italy on Thursday to get a better idea of what the line up will be in South Africa.

This blogger votes for youth.

GOALS....GOALS.... GOALS....GOALS.... GOALS....not many of them)

Videos in Spanish solely for the amazing gooooooooooool shouts of the commentators.

Mexico goal(Franco) v England:



Chicharito against Holland:

It’s a big game for Mexico too …

While Fabio Capello has his selection dilemmas to iron out during England’s last game on home turf before the World Cup, for Mexico the Wembley test is perhaps even more crucial.

Such is the state of play for countries with squad members in different continents, Mexico manager Javier Aguirre will be able to pick Rafa Marquez, Giovanni Dos Santos and Carlos Vela for the first time since World Cup qualification ended, but it’s not like Mexico have a shortage of games.

Mexico played four games in eight days earlier in the month against weakened Ecuador, Senegal, Angola and Chile sides and were largely unconvincing. The fact three were played in front of huge crowds in the United States only fuelled speculation in Mexico that the football federation arranged them more to line their pockets than for World Cup preparation.

Certainly they posed more questions than answers when it comes to sorting out the starting XI.

Up front is a major concern, not because of the lack of talent but because none of Mexico’s strikers is in their prime. In the four friendlies, Mexico scored only three goals and missed chance after chance.

Much of the goal-getting burden falls on the shoulders of Manchester United’s new signing Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, but he’s young and wholly inexperienced at international level and he has failed to score since his transfer to United. It’s worth remembering that one year ago Hernandez was a virtual unknown, even in Mexico.

Cuauhtemoc Blanco is still the figurehead of the Mexican team, but at 37-years-old he’s got an hour in his tank at the very most and even looks a little overweight, something that really riles him if he’s asked about it.

Giovanni Dos Santos, Guillermo Franco and Carlos Vela are the other strikers known to followers of the English game and certainly Vela and Dos Santos have a point to prove if they get on the field against England.

The Mexican press are eagerly anticipating where Rafa Marquez will play and Aguirre’s choice of picking only five midfielders in his squad opens up the possibility of Barcelona’s Marquez playing the midfield holding role. Mexico have quality alternatives like Hector Moreno in the centre of defence, so Marquez may not be missed.

Another key choice will be who starts in goal. Guillermo Ochoa got the nod for Mexico’s farewell game against Chile and should play despite some high profile errors in the last couple of months. Ochoa needs a good performance for his own confidence above anything else.

If Mexico play well they will provide stern resistance to England but if the domestic and European-based players don’t instantly gel, it could be a long night for Mexico’s players and fans.


THREE TO KEEP YOUR EYES ON:



Andres Guardado

Known as “the little prince,” the 23-year-old Deportivo La Coruña winger is almost certainly moving on this summer and will be hoping to catch the eyes of watching Premier League bosses. Aston Villa and Blackburn are reportedly interested, as well as Steve McClaren’s Wolfsburg and Valencia.
Was Mexico’s best player by some distance in the recent friendlies in the United States. Guardado is quick, inventive, a great passer and can also score. Shouldn’t be out of his depth especially as his agent says he’s looking for Champions League football next year. Price will rise a lot if he continues his recent form Monday and during the World Cup. Easily recognisable due to his shoulder length hair.

Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez

Hernandez’ granddad played in the 1954 World Cup and gave a succinct assessment of his grandson’s immediate future: he has to play well coming up to the World Cup so he has some momentum when he arrives at United.
Currently needs a goal for his confidence after firing blanks in his last four appearances. The Mexican press are generally saying he is trying too hard to impress and that if he relaxs his talent will shine through. Wembley test will be a good indication of how the 21-year-old handles the dual pressure of being a Manchester United player and pleasing an expectant nation back home.

Guillermo Ochoa

At 24 it seems goalkeeper Ochoa has been around Mexican football forever. Third choice in Germany 2006, Ochoa is something of a golden boy in Mexico, regularly appearing on TV adverts.
Gifted with natural presence, fine athleticism and Sideshow Bob-esque hair, Ochoa could be another Mexican on his way to Europe with a good World Cup.
The England game is vital for Ochoa, assuming he starts. In the last few months Ochoa has looked far from convincing and with two other very good goalkeepers in Mexico’s squad, the pressure will be on if fails to perform at Wembley.

Sven slams Mexican football federation

Former Mexico manager Sven Goran Eriksson said today that he learned little from his time in Mexico and is happy to be guiding the Ivory Coast in the World Cup.

"I don't think I learned much from Mexico, it's a political minefield," the former Manchester City and Lazio boss told the press in Switzerland. "What I did learn is that it is very important not to have a job that is too political."

Eriksson suffered at the hands of the Mexican press after a brief honeymoon period, but poor results in Jamaica and Honduras meant the Aztec team almost didn't qualify for World Cup and the Swede was swiftly fired and replaced by former Atletico Madrid boss Javier Aguirre.

Eriksson's latest statement reveals that he believes he wasn't given a fair chance.

"In Mexican football, the board of directors at the federation is made up of the owners of the (18) clubs in the Premier Division and that made things difficult as I had half the owners against me to start with," explained Eriksson. "Like everyone knows, they always wanted Aguirre."

And as a final little twisting of the knife, Eriksson revealed he is very content to be in South Africa with the Ivory Coast squad and to draw a line under his time as Mexico boss.

Added the Swede: "Maybe it was for the best. Now I'm sat here, on my way to the World Cup with a very good team, maybe better than Mexico."

Chicharito and the Manchester Evening News

Interview from this site's blogger from today's Manchester Evening News. Story by Stuart Mathieson:

Manchester United fans will catch their first glimpse of new signing Javier Hernandez on Monday when the Mexican striker plays against England in a Wembley friendly.

'Chicharito' is set to be in South American coach Javier Aguirre's XI as both Fabio Capello's squad and the Mexicans warm up for the World Cup in South Africa.

If Reds supporters tune in to TV coverage on Monday night, they will witness Old Trafford's new boy battling to come to terms with his new status as Mexico's golden boy.

And Chicharito, who'll be 22 a week on Tuesday, will play his first match in England with advice from his granddad ringing in his ears. Journalist Tom Marshall works for the English language newspaper, the Guadalajara Reporter, in Mexico, and part of his remit is covering Chicharito's club Chivas.

Marshall, a one-time Old Trafford season ticket holder who hails from Rochdale, told M.E.N. Sport that United's new face has struggled since the announcement of his move to Old Trafford.

But he anticipates Hernandez will become a Reds hit.

"He hasn't been playing well recently for Mexico. In the last four matches against poor teams he hasn't scored," Marshall said.

"Last weekend, he missed a couple of sitters against a much weakened Chile side. He admits he's not done well. His problem is that he is trying too hard. Possibly he is trying to justify all the headlines and hype about moving to Manchester United.

"His granddad was a member of the legendary Chivas side in the 50s and was in Mexico's World Cup squad in 1954. He was on TV advising Chicharito to relax.

"But he also added how important the World Cup in South Africa is for him. He says he needs the springboard of a good World Cup before he moves to United.

Vital

"He reckons it is vital for his grandson. If he performs well in South Africa then he'll go to England high on confidence ready to tackle his United career. If he has a poor World Cup, then he'd go over to England on a downer.

"The press in Mexico are not going that overboard about it, so they are not putting too much pressure on him. He has to learn to cope with it himself and take his granddad's advice."

Marshall has monitored Chicharito's progress at Chivas and admits the move to Old Trafford came out of the blue.

"Six months ago Chicharito wasn't that famous. He was a virtual unknown," added Tom.

"But then he scored eight goals in eight games and got into the Mexican team and it all took off. It was a rapid rise. It took everyone by surprise.

"It was in the papers over here that he would probably end up going to Europe but nobody could foresee it would be United he'd end up at.

"Once that news broke it was the transfer of the decade. It was unbelievable."

So what can United fans getting an early peek at Chicharito at Wembley expect of the South American import?

"If I was comparing him to anyone, then I would say he's similar to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer," said Marshall.

"He's not a playmaker or someone who will create goals for himself out of nothing. He's not a Wayne Rooney who can change a game on his own.

"But if you create chances for Chicharito, then he will put away most opportunities and probably convert a good percentage of the half-chances.

"He's a good goal-scorer, very enthusiastic and is quick and sharp. He's even got a baby face like Solskjaer and plays with a smile on his face. I think he's good enough."

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.

Mexican football team say farewell to Mexico

The Mexican football team bid farewell to the nation Sunday by defeating a weakened Chile side 1-0 in the Estadio Azteca.

On Tuesday the squad travel to Europe where they will play England, Holland, Gambia and Italy before making their way to South Africa to take part in the opening game on June 11 in arguably sport’s biggest event – the football World Cup.

The players’ families came on the field to be with the players after the game and some emotional scenes were captured by TV cameramen. Many of the families won’t see the players until after the World Cup.

The game itself was lacklustre and combined with the three recent friendlies played in the United States, gives coach Javier Aguirre a lot to think about.
Mexico dominated with Francisco “el Maza” Rodriguez playing very well on his return to the team. Andres Guardado again showed himself to be the Mexican man to watch for the World Cup. The Deportivo La Coruña man outshone Manchester United’s new signing Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, who looked like he was trying a little too hard to impress.
Chicharito’s granddad, who also played in a World Cup, said his grandson needs good performances in South Africa to use as a springboard for his career at Manchester United.

Alberto “Venado” Medina got the goal for Mexico on 13 minutes with an excellent finish using the outside of his left foot. Medina plays well in glimpses but has lacked consistency over the last few games.

When Guadalajara Chivas forward Adolfo “Bofo” Bautista came on, he was booed everytime he touched the ball. Having played poorly in recent games, the crowd in the home of Chivas’ archrivals America gave Bofo no mercy. It was actually quite sad to see him fielding questions about the booing after the game, baby daughter in his arms. He missed a sitter in the 90th minute, but blaming Mexico’s problems on Bofo helps nobody.

The Mexican goalkeeping dilemma seems to have now been decided and it now looks likely Guillermo Ochoa will be selected when Mexico meet South Africa, barring any major mistakes. Ochoa was far from convincing in the Azteca against Chile but missing eight or nine of their first eleven, the South Americans didn’t mount too much of a threat.

With the goodbyes done and dusted and a tear or two shed here and there, the real work for Mexico starts from here on in when they get to Europe. Rafa Marquez, Giovanni Dos Santos and Guillermo Franco will boost their ranks as it becomes time to stop tinkering and get down to business.

Official World Cup Song

Mexico's World Cup song by Emmanuel is out. It tells the story out a boy that dreams of playing in the World Cup - a dream members of the teams once had ....
... Andres Guardado, Rafa Marquez and Carlos Vela 'star.'

Could it be any worse? "Bam bam, bem bem, bum bum, boom boom, un gol por ti," It's not exactly Cervantes, but then does it have to be? Any thoughts ??




This Bimbo video below is swiftly become the 'song of the World Cup' in Mexico, mainly because it's on TV about once every ten minutes. It's just one of the multitude of adverts Chicharito is currently in, selling everything from bread to poker websites to sunglasses.

26 - 2 > 23

Mexico's 26-man squad has been chopped down to 24 with the announcement from the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) that defenders Juan Carlos Valenzuela (America) and Adrian Aldrete (Morelia) won't be travelling with the team for the pre-World Cup European tour.

Bizarrely, one other player will be in Europe but then not make the plane to South Africa as World Cup squads are made up of 23 players.

Chivas' "Bofo" Bautista is the favourite to get cut but he'll be in South Africa anyway after winning a competition with a major Mexican bank for two tickets for the World Cup. The final list will be announced by Javier Aguirre on June 1.

"We appreciate the dedication, discipline, professionalism and commitment of the two gentlmen during the training camp and in the team's friendly matches," reads a statement on the FMF website.

Mexico play their send off game Sunday against Chile in the Azteca stadium in Mexico City.

Mexico 1 - 0 Angola

For the full match report see the Mexico 1 - 0 Senegal post below. Change the name Perez for Ochoa, substitute Houston for Chicago, add that Andres Guardado, rumoured to be possibly leaving Deportivo La Coruña for the Premier League, was excellent and voila, you start to get the picture of the night.

Again, playing against an Angolan second team (ranked 85 in the world), Mexico pressed and huffed and puffed but never really convinced. Angola even had chances in the last ten minutes to equalise. Guardado got the goal early in the second half after a good cross from the right from Alberto Medina, who was otherwise largely ineffectual.

Aguirre said before the game that "We are playing as I want," and defensively one can't really complain about three clean sheets out of three. But the fans want more, the press wants more and pressure is building on those key players that will join the squad over the next week from Europe: Rafael Marquez, Giovanni Dos Santos, Carlos Vela, Carlos Salcido, Guillermo Franco.

Full credit to the Mexican fans that again showed up in force to support the team - over 70,000. The Mexican Football Federation may be making a lot of money from tours like this to the United States and the games may well be meaningless but the Mexican-Americans, Mexicans, Chicanos, call them what you will, make the United States a second home for the Mexican national team.

It's just been a shame over these last few games that Mexico hasn't give them more to shout about.

ChicharitoWatch: Manchester United's new boy Javier Hernandez came on with 15 minutes remaining. He scuffed a half chance but again generally looked bright and threatened.

Mexico 1 - 0 Senegal

"The game was embarassing," stated one Mexican TV pundit after the game. "Senegal were even more embarrassing."

It was a fair point after a game that lacked class on the field but was made an occasion by the 60,000+ Mexicans and Mexican-Americans in the Soldier Field Stadium in Chicago.

The only positives for Mexico are that 1) only two or three of the players that started the game have a chance of being in the starting lineup in South Africa and 2) when Andres Guardado and Cuauhtemoc Blanco (who will both start) came on Mexico improved drastically.

Oh, as well as the massive amounts of money the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) is making from playing these largely pointless friendly games in the United States with its hungry, captive market for Mexican football.

Oscar 'Rabbit' Perez (rabbit for his jumping ability and nothing else) started in goal and looked reasonable, although he didn't have very much to do and for the already experienced 'keeper the game was largely a waste of time - his manager surely learned nothing he didn't already know about the 37-year-old. Against Angola on Thursday, it will be Memo Ochoa's turn to impress.

Mexico's Alberto 'Venado' Medina scored the winner in the 60th minute against the second string Senegalese thanks to a basic goalkeeping error, which neatly sums up the quality of the night's entertainment.

Mexico forced the play and had the bulk of the chances but failed to convert them into goals, with goalscorer Medina the main culprit in the second half.

Manchester United's Javier 'Little Pea' Hernandez failed to really get a grip on the game, although he looked bright and his movement was good. As a side note though, if he goes to ground as easily as he did tonight while playing in England he'll swiftly face the wrath of many British pundits and fans alike.

What is really required for the Mexican national team is for the European-based players to integrate into the squad once domestic seasons are over and hopefully we'll see a new Tri that don't make you want to gnaw at your own torso while you are watching them.
Then, and only then, will we get a real idea of where the Mexican team is at.


Full line up: Perez, Aguilar, Valenzuela, Moreno, Aldrete, Castro, Torrado, Juarez, 'Bofo' Bautista, 'Chicharito' Hernandez, Barrera

Mexico 0 - 0 Ecuador

Mexico kicked off the final stretch of friendlies in preparation for the World Cup with a bore draw against Ecuador with both sides shorn of their European-based players.

Mexico had the best chances, but the game leaves more questions than answers as to the line-up come June 11 in the opening game in South Africa against the host nation.

In line with Javier Aguirre's policy of rotating goalkeepers, Luis Michel of the Guadalajara Chivas got his turn and performed competently. Michel still remains an outside bet of getting the no.1 jersey bit is probably reliant on Guillermo Ochoa continuing his poor form.

Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Manchester United new boy Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez started upfront and largely failed to inspire. The duo are currently favourites to start against South Africa but have not played together much and the lack of cohesion showed.

Chicharito was guilty of missing a sitter in the seventh minute from the edge of the box with the Ecuadorian goalkeeper stranded.

With the infusion of quality when European-based players join the squad later in the month, Aguirre will be hoping for a marked improvement.

Performances like this in South Africa and Mexico won't be going far. The real winner was the Mexican Football Federation, raking in the profits of another sold out stadium in the United States.

Team: Luis Michel, Paul Aguilar, Efrain Juarez, Jonny Magallon, Jorge Torres, Juan Carlos Valenzuela, Gerardo Torrado, Israel Castro (Andres Guardado, 75), Alberto Medina (Pablo Barrera, 61), Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Adolfo Bautista, 61), Javier Hernandez.

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.

Provisional squad announced

The 27-man squad that will be whittled down to 23 before the World Cup has been announced by Mexico boss Javier Aguirre.

The Europe based players called up are as follows: Rafael Márzquez (Barcelona), Ricardo Osorio ( Stuttgart), Francisco Javier Rodríguez (PSV Eindhoven), Carlos Salcido (PSV Eindhoven), Héctor Moreno (AZ Alkmaar), Jonathan dos Santos (Barcelona), Andrés Guardado (Deportivo La Coruña), Guillermo Franco (West Ham United),Carlos Vela (Arsenal), Giovani dos Santos (Galatasaray).

The major absence is Nery Castillo who was working with a personal trainer in a bid to get the nod (see past post below). The Euro-Mexicans will have a week's break after domestic seasons finish before joining the rest of the squad in time for the May 16 game against Chile in the Azteca stadium in Mexico City.

They join the Mexico-based players who have been training together since April 12, leaving many club sides without key players as the domestic season reaches its climax:
Guillermo Ochoa (América) , Luis Ernesto Michel (Guadalajara Chivas), Paul Aguilar (Pachuca) , Efraín Juárez (UNAM), Jonny Magallón ( Guadalajara Chivas), Juan Carlos Valenzuela (América) , Jorge Torres Nilo (Atlas), Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul) , Israel Castro (UNAM Pumas), Adrián Aldrete (Morelia) , Pablo Barrera (UNAM Pumas), Adolfo Bautista (Guadalajara Chivas), Cuauhtémoc Blanco (Veracruz), Alberto Medina and Javier Hernández (Guadalajara Chivas).

The squad will be cut to 23 players before the team travels to South Africa.

French press up ante against Mexico

The French newspaper L'Equipe labelled the Mexican team "Green Rats" in an article this week. It follows hot on the heels of another French press article which slammed Mexico as a team that always wants to be considered a powerful team but always fails.

"The Mexican Football Federation announced that the 'Green Rats,' will be playing a tournament with three other teams to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Independence of the country," reads the article.

Les Bleus confront el Tri in their second World Cup game on June 17, with the comments sure to rile Mexico and its media.

The phrase 'Green Rats' does have a history. During the 1966 World Cup in England, journalist Manuel Seyde wrote that the Mexican team looked like green rats, that ran around without a clue.

At the start of the week, French journalist Poyetán Le Blanch published an article entitled, "Mexico, the myth of a country that pretends to a Great."

Watch this space for the reaction of the Mexican press and, coming soon, an analysis of how Mexico will do in South Africa.