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World Cup 2010 Teams – Mexico

Since the very first World Cup back in 1930, Mexico has been one of the most regular contenders in World Cup football. However, the Mexicans have not often progressed beyond the second round of the tournament itself. The team will be looking to get a little further in South Africa, but first they will need to get through a tricky Group A draw.

Qualifying Campaign

Mexico began its third round World Cup qualifying group with ex-England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson in charge. After recording three wins in a row, things began to turn sour. A draw against Canada and defeats against Jamaica and Honduras meant that Mexico finished in second-place thanks only to a superior goal difference over Jamaica.

The fourth and final group round started with a defeat to the USA, Mexico’s arch-rivals. A loss to Honduras two games later was deemed the final straw, and Eriksson was sacked. With Mexico seemingly in disarray, Javier Aguirre was brought in to salvage the situation. He led the team to five victories in its remaining seven games (including a win against the USA), securing a second-place finish for Mexico and qualification for the 2010 World Cup.

World Cup History

As one of the strongest teams in the North American (CONCACAF) World Cup qualifying region, Mexico has become a regular competitor in the World Cup finals. Mexico played in the first ever World Cup back in 1930, and has failed to qualify on only three occasions since then (excluding one withdrawal and one disqualification).

However, despite having played in 13 World Cups, the Mexicans have only managed to get beyond the second round on two occasions. They reached the quarter-finals in 1970 and again in 1986; both these World Cups were hosted by the Mexicans themselves.

Mexico has done well to get through the group stage in the last four World Cups, but has been knocked out each time in the second round. Overall, the Mexicans have been consistent without posing a major threat.

The Coach

As a player, Javier Aguirre enjoyed a successful career with club sides in Mexico, Spain and the United States. He was capped 59 times for the Mexican national team and was part of the side that reached the quarter-final in 1986.

Aguirre began his managerial career with Mexican clubs Atlante and Club Pachuca before taking charge of the national team in 2001. He took the team to the final of the Copa América in his first year as manager, before leading the side to the second round of the 2002 World Cup. Aguirre returned to club football after the World Cup, first taking charge of Spanish club CA Osasuna before a high profile move to Atlético Madrid.

Aguirre returned to the national team in April 2009, replacing the dismissed Sven-Göran Eriksson. He has had relatively little time to experiment with the squad, but team morale seems to have been restored and the Mexicans are now playing with more confidence and attacking flair.

The Players

There are a lot of young players in the Mexico squad, making the experience and leadership of central defender Rafael Márquez all the more important. The fiery Barcelona centre-back will need to be fit and on top form in order to help the team through Group A. Carlos Salcido, Ricardo Osorio and young Efraín Juárez are likely to join Márquez in defence.

Gerardo Torrado and Israel Castro look set to anchor the midfield, while Tottenham Hotspur youngster Giovani dos Santos and 23 year-old Andrés Guardado will provide the attacking flair. Striker Guillermo Franco is likely to start in attack alongside 21 year-old Arsenal striker Carlos Vela. Vela is a highly talented player and definitely one to keep an eye on in South Africa.

Group A

Mexico has been drawn in Group A alongside South Africa, Uruguay and France. The South Africans may perhaps have the weakest squad on paper, but World Cup hosts can never be written off. The support that they will receive will make them tricky opponents. Uruguay could be Mexico’s main rival for second-place, while the French, despite needing a play-off to qualify, should be able to win Group A.

Group Matches and Analysis

Mexico has the unfortunate honour of playing South Africa in the opening game of the tournament. The atmosphere will be electric and the South Africans will be more motivated than ever before. On a normal day, Mexico would be strong favourites to win the game; this, however, will not be any ordinary day.

The Mexicans will face France in their second group game. The French have a good side but their poor qualifying campaign may have left them vulnerable. If Mexico can get off to a good start in this game, they could potentially cause an upset. The final group game against Uruguay is another tricky encounter. The two teams look fairly even and could be playing for second-place.

Overall, Group A is a tough one to predict. South Africa isn’t the strongest team in the group but it has home ground advantage. France has a strong squad but team confidence is low. Uruguay, meanwhile, will certainly be looking to claim at least second-place. Mexico will need to be resolute and fully focused in order to make it, once again, to the second round.

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