In regards to the FIFA World Cup with 14 participation, Mexico are hoping to shed their defeatist attitude and rise up again as a top team in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The Mexico football team which has some promising youngsters of international caliber is all set to create a big impression by playing some superb football. With five wins under their belt prior to the big event, they will surely give some champion teams a hard run for their money.

How They Got There?

Would The Smile Broaden in South Africa?

Mexico’s journey in the qualifying stages began after they beat minnows Belize in the second round to move to the next phase. Here they faced some tough teams like Canada, Honduras and Jamaica. Things were not so smooth for the Mexicans and after much contest, they managed to move to the final round ahead of Jamaica due to goal difference. Here too, they suffered in the initial stages with defeats versus USA and Honduras. This cost the coach his job and some key members of the team were also scrapped. The next part of the final round was perhaps like a dream for Mexico. Fortune soared and the team won 5 matches in a row to qualify for the World Cup. With a draw in the last match against Trinidad and Tobago, Mexico finished second in the final qualifying group.

The Coach

Javier Aguirre, the present coach of Mexico, is perhaps the miracle man who transformed the team’s fortune and gifted them the ticket to the World Cup. Lovingly known as El Vasco, he has always been the mentor of the team in turbulent times and the qualifying rounds were also no difference. This former Mexican midfielder is best known for his innovative tactical skills. He usually prefers the 4-3-3  team format and even has successfully experimented with the 3-5-2 format. Aguirre is also regarded as one of the most acclaimed coaches in international club football and has successfully coached premier teams like Osasuna and Atletico Madrid.

The Team

Would The Gala Dazzle Others

The Mexican team is a mixture of young blood and experience. The strong striking force comprising of veterans like Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Guillermo Franco will be backed by skilled mid-fielders such as Andres Guardado, Gerardo Torrado and Israel Castro. The defense line is made up of youngsters like Jorge Torres Nilo, Hector Moreno, Efrain Juarez and others while the net will be defended by ace goalkeeper Oscar Perez, along with the reserves Luis Ernesto Michel and Guillermo Ochoa. This may be the last world cup  of Blanco and he will be raring to bring that smile to his fans.

Smooth Passing and Hard Play

The countdown has already started and Mexicans are hoping their favorite team to rise up from the ashes and walk the path towards success.

Others in Group A

1. South Africa
2. Uruguay
3. France