World Cup preview: Mexico

The Road to the World Cup

While the seeded Mexico made it through the third round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying rather handily, they struggled in the Hexagonal stage, requiring the USA to beat Panama in the final round to clinch the last intercontinental playoff spot. Mexico roared back against New Zealand in the playoff though, netting a 9-3 aggregate score.

Group Stage Schedule

Formation: 5-3-2 / 3-5-2

Mexico’s formation will employ the five man defense/wing-back system which served El Tri well in their two-leg playoff against New Zealand and is in vogue among several Mexican domestic sides at the moment. With three central defenders, the formation offers a defensive fulcrum for the wide midfielders to advance forward in attack. 

Manager: Miguel Herrera

Within days of the World Cup group stage draw, it was announced that Miguel Herrera would lead Mexico in Brazil. The Club America head coach helped lead Mexico to a 9-3 aggregate win over New Zealand, and was initially brought on a short term contract following the sacking — after a month in charge — of Victor Manuel Vucetich. Vucetich himself came on to replace Luis Fernando Tena in early September, just after Tena was hired to take over for José Manuel 'Chepo' de la Torre.

Projected Starting XI:

GK: Guillermo Ochoa

DF: Miguel Layun

DF: Hector Moreno

DF: Rafa Marquez

DF: Francisco Rodriguez

DF: Paul Aguilar

MF: Hector Herrera

MF: Javier Aquino

MF: Jose Juan Vazquez

FW: Oribe Peralta

FW: Giovani Dos Santos

Projected Substitutes:

GK: Jose de Jesus Corona

GK: Alfredo Talavera

DF: Carlos Sacido

DF: Andres Guardado

DF: Diego Reyes

MF: Miguel Angel Ponce

MF: Isaac Brizuela

MF: Marco Fabian

MF: Carlos Pena

FW: Raul Jiminez

FW: Javier Hernandez

FW: Alan Pulido

The Captain: Rafael Marquez

A defensive midfielder for Club Leon in Liga MX, Marquez has a long and storied career with Monaco, Barcelona, and the New York Red Bulls. He has remained faithful to El Tri despite recent ups and downs, and is a veteran from the last World Cup in South Africa. He will be a key component in what could be a makeshift side, particularly if Herrera remains coach. “The communication with Rafa has been extraordinary, he’s a natural leader,” Herrera said earlier in November. “He’s a guy that talks on the field, leads and shouts at the right time.”

The Star: Chicharito

Despite having difficulty finding his way into the Manchester United starting eleven this past season under David Moyes, it would have been difficult for Mexico to pass on the opportunity to have Javier Hernandez play a major role in their 2014 World Cup campaign. The epitome of a goal poacher, only Jared Borgetti and Cuauhtémoc Blanco have scored more goals for the national team than the 25-year-old. 

The Young Gun: Raul Jiminez

The 22-year-old striker for America grabbed the spotlight in early October when he completed an incredible bicycle kick against Panama to give El Tri a 2-1 victory over Panama, a crucial victory which helped keep Mexico’s hopes of qualifying alive at least until the next round. He also scored Mexico’s eventual winner in the incredible first leg 5-1 victory over New Zealand, and notched an impressive 10 goals in 23 starts for America in the Clausura, as well as completing 4 assists.

The Swan Song: Carlos Salcido

Having just returned to his first club Guadalajara after an eight year sojourn with PSV, Fulham and UANL, defender Carlos Salcido wasn't expected to be included in Herrera's 23 man World Cup squad.  At 34 years old, this will be his last chance to make an impression on the global stage. Salcido is valued for his ability to adapt and fill in for other positions if need be, always an asset in a month-long football tournament. 

Three Questions

1. Can Herrera use the World Cup to reverse the flagging fortunes of El Tri?
2. Will Javier Hernandez take the opportunity to prove his worth to new Man United manager Louis van Gaal?
3. If Mexico finish second behind Brazil in Group A, is there any hope for them to defeat likely Group B winners Spain?

Trivial Matters:

Nickname(s): El Tricolor, El Tri, La Verde.

Most caps: Claudio Suarez (178).

Top scorer: Jared Borgetti (46).

First international: January 1, 1923 Mexico 3-2 Guatemala.

World Cup appearances: 14.

Best World Cup result: Quarterfinals (1970, 1986).

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