World Cup Preview - Group D - Mexico

Mexico:

Coach: Argentinian Ricardo La Volpe.

Nickname: “El Tri”

Game Schedule:
June 11 – Mexico vs. Iran (12 p.m. EST)
June 16 – Mexico vs. Angola (3 p.m.)
June 21 – Mexico vs. Portugal (10 a.m.)

Prospects: Mexico is a World Cup perennial at this point; however, they’ve only reached the Quarterfinals twice, both on home soil in 1970 and ‘86. Their FIFA world ranking of 6th flatters to deceive. They may have qualified top of the Concacaf conference, but that’s still not saying much. They were fortunate to be seeded and placed in one of the easiest groups of the tournament. How Bruce Arena must rue the decision not to play more competitive friendlies! Mexico have enough quality to get out of this group, without a good deal of star power. Only four of their squad play outside of Mexico. This lack of international experience will cost them again in the long run.

Big Media Story: The saga of Cauhtemoc “Bunny Hop” Blanco, who is using the Mexican media to press his case to be reinstated to La Volpe’s squad.

Key Player: Oswaldo Sanchez is that rare commodity – a world class Mexican keeper.

Youngster to watch: In an aging squad – average age 26 – keep your eye on twenty three year right back Gonzalo Pineda.

Who Will Get the Goals: Striker Jared Borgetti has had a difficult season on the bench at Bolton, but he is a class finisher both on the turf and especially in the air.

Who Will Get the Cards: Thuggish Barca center back Rafael Marquez; he’d make a good Hollywood villain.

Funniest Name: Since defender Joel Hiqui - that’s “Ee-kee” – was axed from the squad by La Volpe, there’s no one else that stands out.

Prediction: Second to Portugal in Group D; tonked by Argentina in the Round of Sixteen.

~Bob