Between now and the opening ceremony, I'll be taking a look at the nations participating in this year's World Cup, an event which is slowly consuming me with excitement. Share my pain! Continuing with Group A, today we look at the other participants in the opening match, Mexico. I should probably wait before writing this, as I'm heading off to Wembley later this month to watch Mexico play England, and will undoubtedly have a better idea of where they're at having watched them. But we're on a strict diet of one preview a day, and Mexico were the second team to come out of the hat. What can I do? Well, I can write up my impressions after the game, duh. So look for those at the end of the month.
Mexico, like England, has always been a curious case in terms of their football culture, as unlike the nations that surround them geographically, the domestic scene has traditionally been sufficiently well-paid to ensure that most players stayed for most of their careers. But in recent times, the money hasn't been enough to retain them, and more Mexicans have made it over to Europe. But it's a slow process, and like England, the majority of this year's squad will be home-based (16 out of the 26-man longlist).
For those who are unfamiliar with the Mexican style, the legendary Sean Wheelock has described it as 'tip-tap-tip-tap-tip-tap-tip-tap.' Teams generally play at a fairly sedate pace, building from the defence, with emphasis on short passes and counter-attack. It's a combination of Serie A pace and La Liga technical emphasis, and is usually easy on the eye. Be interesting to see how they manage on the Wembley pitch.
How did they get there?
Another curious feature of Mexican football is their federation-straddling antics. Their elite clubs play in the South American Copa Libertadores, the national team is 'invited' to participate in the Copa America, yet they are members of CONCACAF, send clubs to the CONCACAF Champions League, and qualify for the World Cup through the significantly easier path of said federation.
Whilst this could be viewed as an advantage (this is their fifth consecutive appearance), the low level of competition means that (like England) qualification has often been taken for granted, and both players and management have been guilty of sleepwalking through the process. I would argue that the higher level of competition available in South America would improve the Mexican side, a view which is slowly gaining traction amongst the Mexican football media. At any rate, Mexico scraped through qualification this time, eventually finishing second to the USA, but not before some managerial changes were necessitated.
Who's the coach?
Like England, Mexico has in recent times undergone a crisis of identity in terms of their national team. Having stoically endured the exodus of players to Europe, the final straw for many came when Sven Goran Eriksson was hired as coach, following the sacking of Hugo Sanchez. Eriksson flirted with disaster, and only goal difference saved Mexico from the ignominy of elimination in the first round of the CONCACAF qualifying campaign. His failure was seen as vindication for those who had argued that the national team should be managed by Mexicans, and Mexicans only. Perhaps they should have hired Fabio Capello.
Having burned their bridges with Sanchez, FEMEXFUT was left with a conundrum. They knew the new manager had to be Mexican, but a Steve McClaren figure was not desirable, with World Cup qualification hanging in the balance. Luckily, Atletico Madrid made the decision easy for them, when they fired Javier Aguirre. Having managed the side to the round of 16 in the 2002 tournament, and in need of a more sedate post after the madhouse that is Atleti, he represented the popular choice, and quickly steadied the qualifying ship, buoyed by a morale-boosting 5-0 away win over the eternal rivals, America, to claim the Gold Cup.
Known as a combative midfielder during his playing career, the chain-smoking Aguirre's main achievement so far has been the return of pride and passion to the national team, which was viewed as an undesirable added pressure during the brief Eriksson reign. Mexico might not possess the depth in talent that they did during the mid-1990's, but under Aguirre they are organised and committed, like...never mind.
Ones to watch:
Aguirre's other great achievement has been the rehabilitation of Cuauhtomec Blanco, undoubtedly one of the most talented players not to perform at the highest level in Europe. At 37, he is slower than most, but still possesses a deadly shot and piercing vision. Along with Rafeal Marquez and Gerardo Torrado, Blanco forms the experienced spine of the side, and is still capable of moments of genius.
Yet another achievement that Aguirre should be applauded for is his blend of experience and promising youth players, a blend which can be seen throughout the side. Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa is on the verge of a move to Europe, as is centre-back Efrain Juarez. Should they perform in South Africa, expect to see offers from La Liga come in over the summer. Further up the field, the dos Santos brothers (Giovanni of Tottenham and Jonathan of Barcelona) are far more promising performers in the national colours than at club level, with Giovanni in particular out to prove a point to his current employers, who have never given him an extended run in the side. His younger brother won't start, but is of the same mould- a slight, tricky midfielder, with a deft touch, and game-changing ability. Much will also depend on Carlos Vela, who has yet to prove himself at Arsenal.
How will they do?
Difficult to say. Although it hasn't been mentioned as one, Group A is in my opinion one of the trickier groups in this year's tournament, and results against South Africa could well decide which of France, Uruguay and Mexico progress to the round of 16. As such, the pressure is on Mexico to lay down a marker, and not allow the occasion to get the better of them.
Recent friendlies haven't been that encouraging, with last month's 0-0 home draw with Iceland a low point. As I said, I'll know more after I see them in action, but for now, Mexico look to be the 3rd team in this group. See the rest of this week's previews for reasons why.
My prediction: Eliminated in the group stage.
Previous Previews: South Africa
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