Mexico

The Mexican national team had a shaky start to their qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup but they finished strongly in the CONCACAF zone to cement their place in South Africa. Under Sven Goran Eriksson Mexico scraped through the first round of qualification on goal difference from Jamaica, but the appointment of Javier Aguirre saw an improvement in results. In the final group stage, impressive home form that included a victory over the USA was the catalyst for qualification to a 14th World Cup finals. 

For a traditional footballing nation, Mexico are perennial underachievers at the World Cup. The competition has twice been hosted in the country, but two quarter final exits were all 'El Tri' had to show for it, even though both the 1970 and 1986 tournaments are regarded as the finest ever. In the past four 'Mundials', Mexico have been beaten in the second round at the last 16 stage, when much more was expected of them. A penalty loss to Bulgaria (1994), a Maxi Rodriguez wonder goal (2006), an unfortunate defeat to Germany (1998) and a humiliating 2-0 reverse against neighbours USA in 2002 have all cost Mexico a place in the quarter finals for a third time.

This year Mexico come in to the tournament in a far more low key position. Four years ago they were a seeded team but this year expectations are slightly lower, but not back at home. Recent results suggest that this team is back on an upward curve. Last years victory in North America's Gold Cup, the positive end to qualifying and their run of unbeaten friendlies this year has given Mexicans hope for a successful summer. Five more friendly matches against challenging opposition like England, Holland and Italy should be ideal preparation ahead of Mexico's World Cup opener against hosts South Africa.

SCHEDULE- GROUP A

South Africa     11th June- Johannesburg

France              17th June- Polokwane

Uruguay           22nd June- Rustenburg

The draw is definitely negotiable for Mexico. Group A consists of four teams who will all have aspirations of qualifying or the second stage and Mexico are definitely capable of such a feat. Having to play the hosts first can either be a blessing or a hindrance. The atmosphere in Johannesburg is set to be fervently nationalistic and Mexico could end up standing in the way of a magical day for the rainbow nation. On the other hand, Bafana Bafana are regarded as the weakest of the four teams in the groups, and the quality of their players would suggest that.   

Group stages are always dependent on momentum and a victory in their first game would not only be an ideal start but would leave them only needing one win from their final two games.

Mexican teams are renowned for their natural ability on the ball, their discipline and occasional flair. If all three of these attributes can be expressed in South Africa then qualification from this group and beyond is a realistic possibility.

KEY PLAYERS

Much of Mexico's hopes will be placed on the shoulders of Barcelona's Raphael Marquez. The veteran defender has 88 caps for his country and is facing into his third World Cup finals and second as captain. His return from injury this season is more important to his country than to his club team as he doesn't play as regularly now as he did four years ago. That will be of little concern to Mexicans however who will be just hoping Marquez stays fit for the tournament. 

Roughly half of Mexico's squad are European based but many of them are very experienced or important players for their clubs. Carlos Salcido has been a major player at PSV Eindhoven for a number of years now, while Andres Guardado has been pivotal in midfield for Deportivo La Curuna for the past three seasons since he moved to Europe. Gerardo Torrado is still an essential past of the Mexican midfield at the age of 31. He was impressive in the 2002 World Cup in particular and is one of the most caped player in the squad with 108 appearances to his name.

A new wave of attacking talent has emerged in recent years .Giovani dos Santos had a promising start to his career in Barcelona under Frank Rijkaard but has gradually disappeared since his move to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2008. He has recently been reunited with Rijkaard at Galatasaray and is at least playing more regularly. Carlos Vela captained the Mexican under 17's to the World Cup in 2006 but his progress at Arsenal has been slow, although he is notable for scoring spectacular goals when given a chance.

Despite their young talent, there is still a reliance on veterans. West Ham's Guillermo Franco is an important member of the squad at 33. With only 20 caps to his name he has hardly been a regular over the years as he lived in the shadow of legendary striker Jared Borghetti. He has since gotten more opportunities however and has scored six times in 20 games for his nation. Cuauhtemoc Blanco has been reinstated in the squad since his absence in Germany four years ago. His impressive form for Chicago Fire earned him a return to the more competitive football of the Mexican League with Vera Cruz. Blanco is known best for his Cuauhtemina in France '98, when he caught the ball between his feet and jumped between two defenders in a game against South Korea.

More important than any player for Mexico is their coach Javier Aguirre. This is his second spell in charge of his country, having first brought them to the World Cup in Japan/Korea in 2002. His expertise as a manager that was often undervalued in Madrid with Atletico despite leading them to the Champions League for the first time in 12 years.    

ONE TO WATCH- Carlos Vela

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

For many Mexicans, the only aim is actually winning the World Cup. They don't believe that any team should be inferior to theirs and winning the competition is a realistic dream. Maybe that would have been more possible in previous installments of the World Cup, but in the real world a quarter final spot would be well received. Progression from the group will be expected and any victories after that will be a bonus.

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

Just exiting early on would be a disaster for Mexico but three defeats, especially in the first game, would be a national embarrassment. 

PREDICTION

Considering the country's recent World Cup pedigree, a second round exit will more than likely be the outcome for a fifth consecutive World Cup.