FIFA Ranking: 20 (Last Updated 05 Jun 2014)
History: Mexicans are certainly a footballing nation. Yes, thanks to their close affinity with the riches of MLB, baseball enjoys an unrivaled fan following in the country. But when it comes to the quadrennial football World Cup, everything ceases to exist.
Probably, that`s why they have hosted the tournament twice to join the likes of Italy, France, Germany and now Brazil. However, unlike these football power-houses, El Tri is yet to win the cup.
For the record, the first ever World Cup match was played between Mexico and France on 13 July 1930.
Qualifying report: Despite having an enviable World Cup reputation, Mexicans did not perform as per expectations in the qualifiers in the CONCACAF region. It took two injury time goals from `already qualified` USA against Panamato help El Tri qualify for the play-off against New Zealand. With a sense a purpose finally back in the team, they beat the Kiwis 9-3 on aggregate in the two-legged tie.
Star Players: Javier Hernandez – The Manchester United forward is undoubtedly the most famous Mexican in the line-up. Chicharito`s fortunes will be directly proportional to Mexico`s chances in Brazil.
Besides him, Villarreal striker Giovani dos Santos and Oribe Peralta of Santos Laguna – who famously helped Mexico win the 2012 Olympic football gold medal, will be El Tri`s star attraction. The presence of Bayern Leverkusen defender, Andres Guardado will also be of prime importance in Miguel Herrera`s planning.
Top scorer at the Cup: Luis Hernandez (4) – Popularly known as El Metador, Hernandez scored four goals in the 1998 edition and helped Mexico enter Round of 16, where they were beaten by Germany 2-1.
Most World Cup caps: Rafael Marquez – The former Barcelona defender has represented Mexico in three World Cup finals, in 2002, 2006 and 2010. The 35-year-old still harbours his chances of playing in the fourth successive World Cup. His 11 outings in the cup has earned him a legendary status among the Mexicans.
Legendary goal-keeper Antonio Carbajal, forward Cuauhtemoc Blanco and defender Gerardo Torrado have also played 11 matches each in the finals.
Team record at the Cup: Mexico`s best performance so far has been the quarter-final appearances in 1970 and 1986, both on home soil. 2014 Brazil will be their 15th World Cup appearance. Only Argentina, Brazil, Germany and Italy have played more world cup tournaments than Mexico.
Coach: Miguel Herrera – Former Mexican defender was appointed as the coach of national team in a stop-gap arrangement. He was one of the four coaches at the helm during that whirlwind qualifying period. After securing their place in the 2014 World Cup, thanks to the play-off win over New Zealand, he was confirmed as the full-time coach of the team.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Jose de Jesus Corona (Cruz Azul), Alfredo Talavera (Toluca), Guillermo Ochoa (Ajaccio)
Defenders: Francisco Javier Rodriguez (America), Carlos Salcido (UANL), Rafael Marquez (Leon), Diego Reyes (FC Porto), Miguel Layun (America), Hector Moreno (Espanyol), Miguel Angel Ponce (Toluca), Andres Guardado (Bayer Leverkusen), Paul Aguilar (America)
Mid-fielders: Hector Herrera (FC Porto), Marco Fabian (Cruz Azul), Isaac Brizuela (Toluca), Javier Aquino (Villarreal), Carlos Pena (Leon), Jose Juan Vazquez (Leon)
Forwards: Raul Jimenez (America), Giovani dos Santos (Villarreal), Alan Pulido (UANL), Javier Hernandez (Manchester United), Oribe Peralta (Santos Laguna)
Group listing: Group A, along with Brazil, Croatia and Cameroon.
Fixture:
June 13: Mexico v Cameroon, Natal
June 17: Brazil v Mexico, Fortaleza
June 23: Croatia v Mexico, Recife