For the Mexico National Team, the path to the 2014 World Cup has been difficult and almost miraculous. With last minute help by the USMNT in the World Cup Qualifiers, Mexico was given another opportunity to qualify for the 2014 World Cup. Mexico eventually played New Zealand in two playoff games and won both in dominating fashion, which helped them secure a berth for the World Cup. Unlike past years, when Mexico has easily qualified for the World Cup, this time El Tri struggled and people had started to become worried that they might not qualify at all. Now, with the introduction of former Club America coach, Miguel Herrera, El Tri seek to prove that they still are formidable foes in the upcoming World Cup.
Recent devastating injuries to midfielders Luis Montes and Juan Carlos Medina have prompted Miguel Herrera to update his squad for the World Cup. For now the provisional squad of Mexico is:
Goalkeepers: Guillermo Ochoa (Ajaccio), Jesus Corona (Cruz Azul), Alfredo Talavera (Toluca)
Defenders: Paul Aguilar (Club America), Hector Moreno (Espanyol), Miguel Layun (America), Diego Reyes (FC Porto), Francisco Rodriguez (Club America), Carlos Salcido (Tigres), Rafael Marquez (Leon)
Midfielders: Hector Herrera (FC Porto), Carlos Pena (Leon), Isaac Brizuela (Toluca), Marco Fabian (Cruz Azul), Jose Juan Vasquez (Leon), Andres Guardado (Bayer Leverkusen), Javier Aquino (Villareal), Miguel Ponce (Toluca)
Forwards: Oribe Peralta (Santos Laguna), Raul Jimenez (Club America), Javier Hernandez (Manchester United), Giovani dos Santos (Villareal), Alan Pulido (Tigres)
Although Rafael Marquez and Jesus Corona were injured during the recent International Friendlies, the injuries do not seem too harsh and both players will be present in the World Cup. Along with Mexico, Group A of the World Cup consists of Brazil, Cameroon, and Croatia. All three teams in Group A will prove to be a challenge for Mexico and some analysts don’t even see them advancing past the group stage.
Miguel Herrera has lately been experimenting with El Tri’s starting lineup since there doesn’t seem to be a fixed starting XI yet. Mexico’s back line will most likely be captained by Rafael Marquez although he suffered a minor foot injury in their last game against Ecuador. In addition to Marquez, the defense could also consist of Miguel Layun, Hector Moreno, Francisco Rodriguez, and Paul Aguilar. Lately, Miguel Layun has been in really good form and managed to score two long range goals in the international friendly against Israel.
Since Luis Montes unfortunately broke his leg in Mexico’s recent game against Ecuador, Javier Aquino has been chosen to replace him. Accompanying Aquino in the midfield could be Carlos Pena and Hector Herrera.
Lastly, leading the attack will be Oribe Peralta and Giovani dos Santos. Due to lack of play in Manchester United, Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez may not be in the starting lineup. Both Raul Jimenez and Hernandez have high possibilities of entering games as substitutes.
With unfortunate injuries that have affected the squad, Miguel Herrera will have to tinker with his options for his starting XI .Hopefully, in the upcoming matches against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Portugal, Miguel Herrera will be able to establish a definite lineup for the World Cup. There are expectations for Herrera to lead Mexico out of the group stages and into the knockout rounds.
Although the Mexico National Team is in a tough situation, Miguel Herrera is determined to lead Mexico to World Cup glory.
Lineup:
