Coach: Javier Aguirre
Confederation: Concacaf
FIFA Ranking (Nov 09): 15
Previous Appearances: 13 (1930, 1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1978, 1986, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006)
South Africa v Mexico 11 June; Johannesburg
South Africa v Uruguay 16 June; Pretoria
South Africa v France 22 June; Bloemfontein
Background
The Mexicans have participated in 13 world cups but have not much to show in the premier tournament. Their best achievement in international football so far has been the winning of the FIFA Confederations Cup in 1999
the road to the 2010 World Cup
Second Round
Mexico had to play only a double leg match against Belize in the second round, which they won 9-0 aggregate.
Third Round
In the third round, they were drawn in Group 2 along with Jamaica, Canada, and Honduras. The El Tri had a good opening round defeating Honduras 2-1. Mexico followed it up with a 3-0 victory over Jamaica and a 2-1 win against Canada. What seemed to be a cake walk turned out to be walking through fire as Mexico lost 1-0 away to Jamaica and Honduras, besides drawing 2-2 with Canada in between. Yet they moved on to the next round as runners-up in the group on goal difference.
Fourth Round
Mexico had to contend with Trinidad & Tobago, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras, and the United States in this deciding round, from which the top three would get automatic tickets and the fourth will go for play-off.
The El Tri started off disappointingly, losing 0-2 to USA. Though they won the next against Costa Rica, this was overshadowed by a crushing 1-3 away defeat to Honduras. The Mexico’s Football Federation swung into action sacking coach Sweden’s Sven-Goran Eriksson and appointing the former Atletico Madrid manager, Javier Aguirre.
The transformation was magical. Even though the new coach started off with a 2-1 loss to El Salvador, he overhauled the strategies and tactics and came up with five victories on the trot and a draw to round up their qualification campaign; including a 2-1 win against USA. Mexico totaled 19 points finishing second to the USA in the group. Their flight to South Africa was confirmed.
Strengths
Mexico has a strong midfield. Talented players like Rafael Marquez, Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Guillermo Franco in the defense, midfield, and up front respectively make the El Tri a force to reckon with. The wisdom of coach Javier Aguirre adds a new sheen to the team.
Weaknesses
Absence of fire power is worrisome. The squad creates chances, but fails in converting. Over dependence on Guille Franco is risky as an off colour day for him would mean a dark day for the team.
The Coach
Javier Aguirre and the Mexican team in the qualifiers is a classic example of what an erudite, self-assured, and extrovert leader can do to a team. He motivates his players, and makes them confident. He has a flexible approach to formations, but generally uses 4-3-3.
Star Men
Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Chicago Fire);
A favourite of the Mexican football fans, Blanco is highly experienced in international football.
Rafael Márquez (Barcelona);
The captain of the team, Marquez is a solid defender. He is adept at making a goal line save as well as joining the attack upfront. But he has not yet mastered the art of maintaining his cool in crunch situations.
Guillermo Franco (West Ham);
The Argentina born naturalized Mexican is the lead striker for Mexico. Franco does not give up the ball easily and torments the opposition. His present stint in the English Premier League has added new dimensions to his play.
Carlos Vela;
The 21-year old Arsenal striker brings freshness of the youth to the Mexican team. With the surprise omission of Giovanni dos Santos by coach Agirre, more attention will now be focused on Vela.
Best Footballing Moment
The quarter finals appearance in 1970, Mexico.
World Cup Objective
To reach the quarter finals. The first game after the group stage has been the bane of Mexico in the last four World Cups.
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