mexico

 Manager: Javier Aguirre
Captain: Rafael Marquez
FIFA World Ranking: 17
World Cup appearances: 13
Best World Cup: Quarter-Finals; 1970 & 1986

Mexico Betting Article

Mexico Team Profile

Mexico, from the North America zone of qualifying, finished second in the CONCACAF qualifying sector after a strong finish to qualifying ensured Mexico would make the cut and go to their fifth World Cup in succession – what would be their fourteenth overall once they touchdown in South Africa. However, it has been turbulent times for a nation which has always been thereabouts in the FIFA Rankings – Currently ranked 17th – with several managers coming and going since their previous World Cup in 2006, but the Mexican’s appear to have the natural born leader they were so desperate for in Javier Aguirre, who has steadied the Mexican ship to guide them to another World Cup after early signs were that Mexico might not even make the cut after a sloppy start to qualifying.

Javier Aguirre really has been a revelation for Mexico, changing the entire complexity of the team which had been massively under performing for several years before his arrival at the helm. He’s found the right blend of players which works for him and Mexico, with a mixture of both experience and youthful exuberance working in qualifying while it has the locals back home all excited about the prospect of a big campaign in South Africa. The objective for Aguirre will be to guide El Tri further than they’ve ever been before in a World Cup and that’s past the Round of 16 stage of the tournaments. Mexico have fallen at that same Round of 16 stage in the previous four tournaments, and fans back home simply cannot take another last-sixteen heartache in South Africa.

Nickname: El Tri

Strengths

A right mixture of combative and inspirational knowledge from some of their more experienced internationals and some of their younger stars, has worked wonders for Javier Aguirre, who masterminded Cuauhtemoc Blanco’s decision to come out of retirement in a bid to save Mexico’s faltering qualifying bid. It was a decision which paid huge dividends as Blanco’s emergence back into the Mexico fold sparked a Mexican revival, while the young stars in the Mexico set up; Dos Santos, Carlos Vela and Andres Guardado have all slowly but surely found their footing.

What you have to consider is Mexico was a team drained of any self belief and confidence, they were on their knees before Aguirre pleaded with Blanco, a Mexican legend, to come out of retirement in a bid not only to save their faltering campaign, but to also provide the new generation of stars with the inspiration needed to kick-start their prosperous futures. Mexico finished qualification with plenty of winning momentum, which leads us to believe that Mexico are well on their way to recovery and that they’ll head to South Africa with plenty of positive and optimistic momentum. 

However, in terms of positives on the field, Mexico’s passing game is second to none. They are quick, slick and damn effective at getting forward at pace and in numbers. Aguirre has got this Mexico team playing some crisp football, very pleasing on the eye, and with some tricky customers within their ranks, players like Guardado, Dos Santos and Vela, Mexico will cause even the most well-drilled defences plenty of problems.

Weaknesses

The sheer fact Mexico are seemingly cursed whenever they get to the Round of 16 stage is a big worry for start – Exiting at the last-sixteen stage in their previous four World Cup’s, but this Mexico team, despite enjoying a strong finish to qualifying, were a team who had to endure several low points during qualifying and often took a while to fully recover and bounce back. They are a team which need a lot of confidence and momentum before their games, and definitely require a lot of love and caring attention from their manager. A bad start to the tournament and it could be curtains for Mexico, as they do tend to be a team which dwell on their mistakes.

Also, we would have to say Mexico are arguably the most wasteful team we know in terms of doing all the hard work in creating cracking openings only yo fluff their lines on multiple occasions. Clincal is a word best used to describe Mexico and if El Tri are to make some serious inroads at South Africa; Franco, Hernandez, Vela, Dos Santos and Blanco will all need to find some inner confidence, and more importantly the goal.

Mexico Qualification for the World Cup

Mexico didn’t get off to the best of starts in their bid to qualify for South Africa, 2010. They started qualifying with back-to-back defeats following defeats away at USA & Honduras, and by the mid-way stage of proceedings, Mexico were in a precarious position after losing four of their opening five qualifiers. However, they finished qualifying strongly, beating Trinidad & Tobago, USA, Costa Rica & Honduras in a four match winning streak which evidentially sent them to South Africa before they played out a 2-2 draw with Trinidad & Tobago in their final qualifiers.

It was a poor start, drastic actually, from Mexico but they finished the campaign strongly with four consecutive wins, a run which didn’t just salvage their qualifying campaign, it sent them up to second in the CONCAFAF qualifying zone table and through to South Africa 2010. The poor start to proceedings was, however, a bag indication that this Mexico team still isn’t at the level needed to really challenge some of the world’s best teams. Moreover, were they to get off to a similarly bad start in South Africa, there could be no coming back.

World Cup Potential: 3/5

The Mexicans have always been a tricky nation to follow in previous World Cup’s. They seem to boast a deceiving FIFA World Ranking most of the time, often leading to El Tri massively underachieving. However, Mexico are one of those nations which are capable of springing a surprise, defeating a big name when everyone turns up and performs. The problem is, Mexico generally disappoint in the crunch games, while the squad Aguirre will be taking to South Africa is arguably the weakest, or at least unproven, that Mexico have had in the finals for quite some time.

Mexico are currently ranked 17th in the world, and that’s generous. El Tri were woeful and utterly helpless at times during qualifying, while some of their big names, their future stars, haven’t performed to the standards expected by the eccentric Mexico fans. There’s every chance Mexico could edge their way through Group A, but the knock-out stage is where Javier Aguirre and Mexico will find one too strong.

Mexico World Cup Betting Odds

Mexico to win the World Cup: 40/1 bWin

Before the World Cup the odds on Argentina were 100/1

Official Mexico World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Luis Ernesto Michel (Deportivo Guadalajara)

Óscar Pérez (Jaguares de Chiapas)

Guillermo Ochoa (CF América)

Defenders

Rafael Marquez (Barcelona)

Ricardo Osorio (VfB Stuttgart)

Francisco Javier Rodriguez (PSV Eindhoven)

Carlos Salcido (PSV Eindhoven)

Jorge Torres (Atlas Guadalajara)

Efraín Juárez (UNAM Pumas)

Jonny Magallón (Deportivo Guadalajara)

Paul Aguilar (CF Pachuca)

Héctor Moreno (AZ Alkmaar)

Midfielders

Israel Castro (UNAM Pumas)

Andrés Guardado (Deportivo La Coruna)

Alberto Medina (Deportivo Guadalajara)

Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul)

Pablo Barrera (UNAM Pumas)

Adolfo Bautista (Deportivo Guadalajara)

Guillermo Franco (West Ham United)

Strikers

Cuauhtémoc Blanco (Tiburones Rojos de Veracruz)

Carlos Vela (Arsenal)

Giovani dos Santos (Galatasaray)

Javier Hernandez (Deportivo Guadalajara)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 Mexico Fixtures – Group A

27/06 – 19.30 – Round of the last 16: Mexico – Argentina: 1-3

World Cup 2010 Group A - Table

World Cup Fixtures and Results

Argentina V Mexico

World Cup 2010 Prediction

Sunday, 27th June – 19:30 GMT

Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg

LIVE on BBC1

Four years ago, these two sides clashed at this very same stage at Germany 2006, with the South Americans clinching a quarter-final berth by virtue of a wondergoal from the then Atletico Madrid winger, Maxi Rodriguez. That stunning strike came after the pair played out a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes, and with Mexico looking as impressive as ever during the group stage, can they go one better this time by springing the first major shock in the knock-outs?

It’s safe to say that Diego Maradona’s Argentina are the favourites heading into the third of eight Round of 16 encounters, with the ease and impressiveness at which they disposed of their Group B rivals the catalyst for what would appear to be a huge push for the 2010 World Cup. They found Nigeria testing but still managed to etch out a narrow 1-0 victory, South Korea were blown away by Maradona’s charges in a 4-1 drubbing while a stubborn and resilient Greece were ousted as well, as Argentina trampled on their first three opponents to record a 100% record in the group stage. In total, 7 goals were scored and just one was conceded, and it is the latter which laments Argentina’s seemingly strong bid for a third World Cup crown as many have doubted their defensive capabilities, and while their defence has yet to be put to the test by anything of real note or class, two clean sheets in three group games does, nevertheless, bode well and gives their defensive unit a welcomed boost in confidence.

North American sides have never fared well in World Cup’s, with no team from the CONCAFAF side of the world actually making a last-four appearance in the competition’s 80-year history. Mexico, whom have made the quarter’s twice but are facing up to the stern possiblity that Sunday could see them falter at the Round of 16 stage for the fifth tournament running, will feel they are equipped to continue making inroads and won’t fear a country they nearly beat four years ago in Germany. With that said, they will have to come on leaps and bounds from their performances in the groups, that despite qualifying without much of a fuss and recording a 2-0 win over the French along the way. However, in a group which did flatter to deceive, Mexico did only win one of their three Group A encounters – 2-0 win France – whilst drawing with a poor South African team, merely our opinion, and losing to a lightweight but nevertheless dangerous Uruguay.

There’s little doubt that Mexico play some beautiful football at times, sweeping through the midfield with some slick passing moves, but their forwards are their achilles heel. Guillermo France and Blanco are both past it, Carlos Vela has a big reputation but still hasn’t delivered while Javier Hernandez looks a promising star but has yet to really captivate us. Against a rugid Argentine back line, Mexico, whom have scored just three goals in three games thus far, could very well see their neat interchanging and sparkling football result to nothing.

On the other hand, Argentina pack the greatest forward punch of all the 16 nations still standing, with the majestical Lionel Messi in scintilating form despite failing to register a single goal in the tournament to date, the ever-willing Carlos Tevez and Golden Boot contender Gonzalo Higuain (3 goals in 2 games) as well as boasting the likes of Sergio Aguero and Diego Milito on the bench. Add to the mix a reliable and combative midfield containing Javier Mascherano, who will break down most of the Mexico attacks which come down the centre, Maxi Rodriguez, Mexico’s nemesis, and possibly even the reincarnated Juan Sebastien Veron, although Angel Di Maria looks likely to start instead in a three-man Argentina midfield. With Gabriel Heinze, Martiin Demichelis and Walter Samuel sheparding Romero’s goal, one which has been exposed just once so far, who would dare oppose the Argentine’s as they continue to build up ahead of steam, with a possible quarter-final tie with foe’s England just around the corner.

Our Prediction (who will win): Argentina to WIN – 1.54 Extrabet

Our Recommended Bet: Argentina to WIN to NIL (Without conceding) – 2.38 Ladbrokes

Current Argentina V Mexico Odds:

France V Mexico

Kick-off: Thursday, 17th June – 19:30 GMT
Stadium: Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane
Referee: Khalil Al Ghamdi (Saudi Arabia)
Group A

France

The last time France drew a group encounter with Uruguay was at the 2002 World Cup in Korea/Japan, where a 0-0 draw was played out as the French later went on to finish bottom of their group. Will the same ill fate befriend them in South Africa, as once again France play out a 0-0 stalemate with the same South American opposition. They are in a tough group alongside Uruguay, South Africa and Mexico and if they cannot improve on their drab Uruguay showing last Saturday then there’s every chance of the 1998 winners grabbing the wooden spoon. After all, France did finish bottom of their group at the 2008 European Championships as well.

If you think the pressure on England is immense you should try stepping into say Thierry Henry’s shoes, who has merely been reduced to substitute appearances in a team which has flattered to deceive in recent years and are currently out of sorts. Their 0-0 draw with Uruguay in their first of three Group A clashes compliments their woeful 1-0 loss to China directly before the finals nicely, or at least it backs up their exposed form heading into the finals. Either way, it’s time for the French to pluck up some courage for a change, to show their worth and display the sort of steely determination that seen them not just win the 1998 FIFA World Cup but end Germany 2006 as the runners-up.

Raymond Domenech has already been rocked by news that William Gallas, who is by a country mile France’s most accomplished centre-half in the squad, is a doubt for the game with Mexico although is deemed a minor concern – Phew. However, it has been his partnership with Eric Abidal, a full-back by trade, which has come in for heavy criticism from the French press and the pair could well come unstuck against the tricky Mexicans, who play some sweeping, slick passing moves right through even the most established of defences. Another area of concern for Domenec is up front, with Anelka a proven underachiever at international level  – Yet to score a World Cup goal for France -  while Franck Ribery and Sidney Govou failed to make things happen for France against Uruguay. So are we to expect changes for Thursday’s clash, with perhaps a place in the starting eleven for captain Thierry Henry? Or will Domenech opt the  powerhouse, Andre-Pierre, or the pace Djibril Cisse. Who knows, although everyone is desperate to see the coach ring the changes.

Despite possessing a whole host of creative players; Gourcuff, Ribery, Malouda, the French just aren’t clicking in the final third. One reason we feel it’s going wrong is with Nicolas Anelka, as his lack of movement gives the wingers, generally Ribery and Govou, little options. If anything, the guile of Thierry Henry would be best suited and complimented by the pace of Djibril Cisse, as well as Ribery on the opposite flank. Yoann Gourcuff, a player with a big future ahead of him, needs to bring his A-game to the table as well, as the Bordeaux play-maker was poor throughout the 0-0 draw with Uruguay. In fairness, the entire French team need to come to the boil and show some form of promise, give the demanding French public at least a glimmer of hope that there is far more to come from France.

Mexico

Mexico have had a knack in previous finals of registering wins in their opening game, having done so in their last three successive World Cup’s (1998, 2002 and 2006). But they, too, were held to a draw on Day 1 of the tournament, Rafael Marquez’s prod home cancelling out South Africa’s opener in an atmospheric and packed out Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg. While Mexico originally set out to pick up all three points, the one point they did register has done little to harm their bid of making the knock-outs for the fifth consecutive finals, although it does leave them needing a positive result against the 2006 losing finalists.

The North Americans, nicknamed ‘El Tri, don’t have the best of records against the French, having never beaten France in six meetings, losing all but one of those encounters. Javier Aguirre, the Mexico coach, will need to change their fortunes against the French, and fast, if they are to continue harbouring hopes of making the last-sixteen. A draw would keep Mexico in contention with a game to play, that final game being against Uruguay, but victory over a team many deem to be ‘lost’ at the current time would put them within touching distance of their successive fifth Round of 16 match.

So can Mexico break their French duck in Polokwane at the seventh time of asking? We see no reason why they can’t, as the Mexicans play some delightful football at times and if they could only sharpen up in front of goal, could be a serious player in South Africa. Their ability to pass up golden opportunity after golden opportunity is a concern, alarming in fact, as against the big nations, those classed in that elite bracket of about eight, will punish them for their wastefulness. The question now is, can Mexico put away their many chances, and if no, are France still a ‘top 8′ country ready to give Mexico a good spanking should they not grab the gifts when they arise.

The one good news to come out of their 1-1 draw with hosts South Africa was that no-one took a knock or suffered an injury, so Javier Aguirre has a full strength squad to choose from as he aims to pile the woes onto his opposite number. However, there are decisions to be made, none more so than who should start up front. Guillermo Franco clearly has bags of experience but he doesn’t have the pace to get in behind a sketchy France defence, so could we see the a first World Cup start for new Man Utd signing Javier Hernandez, or what about Alberto Medina, who scored a couple during Mexico’s pre-tournament World Cup internationals. Whoever he opts for, the Mexico forwards need to get their shooting boots on in a contest they simply cannot afford to lose in case of risking their South Africa 2010 status.

Match Odds:

France – 2.38 Coral
Draw – 3.30 Ladbrokes
Mexico – 3.50 BetFred

Our Prediction: France to WIN – 2.38 Coral

We have opted for France although that’s purely because we see the ‘Draw’ as a last resort, usually in the instance where two teams appear unreliable or simply rubbish. Ironically, France could be classed by the latter judging by their latest outing against Uruguay, but while Mexico do play some beautiful football, there finishing at times is woeful and against a French side which know how to ride their luck and have the quality up top to punish sides, France narrowly get our vote.

Huge amounts of improvement are need though from France, with their attacking in particular in need of a revamp. We don’t see it happening, but Anelka’s exclusion from the starting eleven would be a start, as well as removing the useless Govou from the fray in place of either Malouda or Henry. Whichever, we aren’t fussy in the slightest. If Domenech starts with the same eleven which drew 0-0 with Uruguay, we fear the worst for our pals across the pond.

Our Recommended Bet: Franck Ribery FGS – 11.00 Coral

South Africa V Mexico

Kick-off: Friday, 11th June – 15:00 GMT
Stadium: Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg
Referee: Ravshan Irmatov (Uzbekistan)
Group A

South Africa

Once all the commotion of the opening ceremony is done and dusted, the hosts, in a traditional and timely manner, will officially kick-off proceedings while at the same time trying to uphold an age-old World Cup tradition by qualifying for the knock-out stage of the competition. In order to achieve what is widely considered a minimum target from the South African’s, Bafana Bafana will need to register some positive results against Mexico, who they play on the opening day of the tournament in Johannesburg, Uruguay and 1998 world champs France. Failure to climb out of the group would result in South Africa etching their name in World Cup folklore, becoming the first host nation not to compete in the knock-out stage of the tournament. Obviously a feat the entire country are desperate to avoid.

It wasn’t so long ago that South Africa were enjoying a fourth-place finish at the 2009 Confederations Cup in South Africa, the prep tournament for the World Cup. Despite positivity surrounding their respectable finish, South Africa went in the opposite direction in terms of results, and their lengthy drought without a win ultimately cost Joel Santana’s his job and seen his Brazilian counterpart Carlos Alberto Parreria regain the South Africa reigns for the second time. While his appointment was controversial, none more so because of his lucrative wage packet, the former World Cup winner with Brazil in 1994 has been an utter revelation and has quickly transformed the country’s national team into one with far more organisation, discipline and, more importantly, self-belief.

Parreria has to be congratulated for his commendable work with a team which was on it’s knees and waiting to be put out of its misery under Joel Santana. So much so that Bafana Bafana will kick-off against North Americans Mexico in high spirit after a run of 12 internationals without losing, a streak which stretches back eight months and one South Africa will probably need to extend by another three games if they’re to stand any chance of qualifying from a tricky Group A. They aren’t without a realistic chance though, with Perreria’s revamp of the national team restoring some pride and faith previously lost from their own fans. They are far more organised under Parreira’s favoured 4-2-3-1 formation, with the ‘killer’ – Katelgo Mphela – admirably leading the line up front all by himself. The latter scored a late winner against Denmark as South Africa closed out their World Cup preparations with a tough of style, thus boosting the hopes and expectations of a nation further.

On Friday evening, you’re likely to see a scrappy game of football from South Africa, with the more attractive play coming from the silky Mexicans. Parreria’s sets up his team to be resolute, with the sole intention to avoid conceding anything cheap, or anything at all for that matter, as the Brazilian looks to instil some positional discipline and organisation into the South Africa ranks. From what we’ve seen from them in some of their warm up games, chances will be few and far between but the hosts have been clinical, with forward Mphela, who will lead the line on his lonesome against Mexico in a five-man midfield, particularly deadly and the Mamelodi Sundown’s striker could, as he’s so proven in recent internationals, could be the match winner for Bafana Bafana in their World Cup opener.

Mexico

As their Group A opponents, South Africa, set out to protect a timely tradition in the finals by progressing from the group, Mexico themselves have a streak of their own to protect, having made the knock-out stage of the competition in their previous five attempts. In the previous four finals, Mexico, a team which has never really been blessed with a stand-out performer, has head to deal with the heartbreak of exiting the tournament at the last-sixteen stage. In 2010, in the first ever finals to be held on African soil, Mexico won’t just have to overcome two former World Cup winners in Uruguay and France but also the host nation.

There are no doubts as to whether or not Mexico have the quality within their 23-man squad to outplay South Africa for large parts in Johannesburg on Friday, as they did to a certain extent against England at Wembley a little over two weeks ago. The problem, though, has been scoring goals, converting their dominance with possession into goals that could see them win games instead leaving their encounters with plaudits for their attractive play but nothing to show in regards to the result. They did, however, prove at least that they do have the quality, some composure up front to beat the more talented and equipped nations, as in their last warm up game before the finals against Italy, Mexico scored twice in a stunning 2-1 win.

The Mexico coach, Javier Aguirre, has done a similar job at the held to his opposite number, rescuing a team which appeared doomed and destined to underachieve. Were it not for Aguirre’s intervention during qualifying, Mexico may not have made the finals. Aguirre has took the Mexico national team by the scruff of the neck and shook the players into life and finally got some with overinflated ego’s to value wearing the green colours of their country. They too will arrive in Johannesburg for this World Cup opener with noteworthy form, winning five of their last seven internationals and also boasting a 2-1 win over the reigning champions, Italy.

Mexico couldn’t be any different to South Africa if they tried, with El Tri opting instead for slick passing moves and bright on and off-the-ball movements. Aguirre has Mexico playing at a high-tempo, with their passing play in the forward third crisp and fast, while the players remaining energetic and are always eager to impress with the ball. Some players which can make things happen are Giovanni Dos Santos, who with his quick-feet and enthusiastic attitude, will be a constant threat as well will Arsenal’s Carlos Vela. The marauding runs from their full-backs will give them more options when attacking, with PSV left-back Carlos Salceido in particular a prominent feature down the left flank. It is, however, the forwards where any criticism will lye should Mexico not get anything from this game, as Manchester United’s Javier Hernandez looks to shine on the biggest stage he’s ever come across, while the experienced Blanco will look to inspire his country to a priceless win which could set them on their way nicely.

Match Odds:

South Africa – 2.90 WilliamHill
Draw – 3.30 Ladbrokes
Mexico – 2.60 Boylesports

Our Prediction: Mexico to WIN – 2.60 Boylesports

Were this on neutral ground, there’s little doubt that Mexico would be the clear favourites due to the fact they have a host of talented individuals, some of which apply their trade with some giants clubs in Europe. South Africa however, the majority of their players are based in their home land and won’t exactly be accustomed to facing world-class players on a day-to-day basis. Granted the Mexico team isn’t exactly brimming with superstars, but there are more match winners in El Tri’s corner than in Bafana Bafana, and while we would love the host nation to get off to the best possible start, Mexico tick more boxes than South Africa do and so get our vote of confidence.

Recommended Bet: Mexico to WIN 1-0 @  7.00 VCbet

Korea DPR

Pre-World Friendly Form: D

Greece 2-2 North Korea
Nigeria – North Korea

North Korea are the rank outsiders for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and are ranked 105 in the world according to the FIFA Rankings meaning they arrive in South Africa as the lowest ranked team. So, it won’t have been music to the ears of the North Koreans desperate to see some knock-out football when they were drawn in the ‘Group of Death’ alongside Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast. However, if there gutsy display against Greece in their first warm up game was anything to go by, Korea DPR may just be more than a handful than many anticipate. Despite trailing early on, Korea DPR took the lead through two fabulous goals from a player the natives refer to as ‘The People’s Rooney’ in Jong Tae-Se. We were fortunate enough to watch this game and can honestly say North Korea were outstanding, with Jong Tae-Se in particular very impressive for the Koreans. Tae-Se was a constant threat to the Greece defenders, with his adventurous and fearless forward runs confusing an experienced Greek defence, while it finishing was sublime. That was a big result for North Korea and one which, had you watched or seen glimpses of, may change your opinion of Korea DPR from a football perspective.

Korea Republic

Pre-World Friendly Form:  LLWW

Korea Republic 2-0 Ecuador
Japan 0-2 Korea Republic
Korea Republic 0-1 Belarus
Spain 1-0 South Korea

The South Koreans haven’t faired too bad in their pre-World Cup friendlies, with their only jilt coming against Belarus. That defeat to Belarus did come as a shock although Belarus aren’t the worst European nation around and did earn a draw against Honduras a few days before. Before that though, Korea, who made the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup on home soil, etched two impressive victories over a dangerous Ecuador from South America and Asian rivals Japan, in Japan as well, beating the ‘Samurai Blue’ 2-0. Out of all the Asian contingents, South Korea are shaping up as one of the likelier nations to make the knock-out stage.

South Korea were expected to be put through their paces against the competition favourites Spain in Austria, but instead it was the Koreans making all the headlines but holding their own against the European champions. For over 80 minutes South Korea held their own against the Spanish and remained on terms, even creating a few openings themselves, decent ones at that which perhaps should have found the back of net. However, a sublime curling effort from Seville winger Jese Navas ensured South Korea’s industrious efforts were in vein, at least from a scoreline point of view, although their display on the whole was very pleasing and certainly provided coach Jung-Moo with some positive aspects to build upon ahead of their clash with Greece on June 12th.

Mexico

Pre-World Friendly Form: WWLLWW

Mexico 1-0 Senegal
Mexico 1-0 Angola
Mexico 1-0 Chile
England 3-1 Mexico
Holland 2-1 Mexico
Mexico 5-1 Gambia
Mexico 2-1 Italy

What with so many friendlies under their belts, Mexico will surely have the edge over all of their Group A opponents in South Africa in regards to overall fitness and match sharpness. Coach Javier Aguirre must of felt his players weren’t sharp enough as some returned from their European domestic seasons, and he may have been right. Despite winning three on the spin at one stage, beating Senegal, Angola and Chile all by a 1-0 scoreline in succession, Mexico came unstuck against the type of nations they will have to beat if they want to end their spooky voodoo of exiting the last four World Cup’s at the last-sixteen stage.

Against England, Mexico shown glimpse of genuine quality, with their crisp passing, slick interchanging and the pace at which they break promising. They weren’t the most organied of defences though, as was the same against Holland where they conceded two sloppy first half goals before Javier Hernandez, one of their promising youngsters for the future, scored in the second period to ensure Mexico got on the score sheet for the fifth game in a row. Mexico later made it six games in a row without failing to score when smashing Gambia 5-1, Javier Hernandez grabbing two in the rout.

On the whole pleasing, but there remains areas of the pitch, desfence in particular, where Aguirre needs to tweak before Mexico can really begin hyping up their chances of progressing from Group A. They do have goals in them and they will be one of the more entertaining teams to watch in South Africa.

Mexico’s seventh and final warm up game was against the reigning world champions Italy. If ever a coach wanted to test the mental capacity of his team as well as their potential to perform against the big teams then it was against the 2006 World Cup winners. Even so, we doubt even Javier Aguirre had envisaged a victory over the Italians, with Mexico finishing their preparations in some style with a 2-1 win over Italy. Goals from Carlos Vela and Alberto Medina were enough to see El Tri run out winners in a surprisingly high-tempered game, with no less than four Mexico players receiving a caution.

Netherlands

Pre-World Friendly Form:

Netherlands 2-1 Mexico
Netherlands 4-1 Ghana
Netherlands 6-1 Hungary

The Dutch have looked mightily impressive so far, despatching of Mexico and Ghana with a touch of class and comfort. Against the Mexicans, Holland stormed into a 2-0 lead and appeared to have the game wrapped up before half-time, with perhaps a big scoreline on the cards. They stepped off the gas in the second half though and had to settle for a less emphatic 2-1 win. Ghana though, well, Holland let rip against ‘The Black Stars’ of Africa, as the Dutch displayed their fabulous team-work, cohesion and all-round technical ability to blow Ghana away.

Holland have attracted plenty of support in the outright market and their recent display would indicate that punters are jumping on a team with the potential to win the 2010 FIFA World Cup and one bang in form, on top of their game.

Bert Van Marwijk’s men were in six-y mood in their final game before the finals, smashing Hungary 6-1 as Holland recorded their third win on the trot and ensured they went into South Africa on a winning run. Despite conceding early on, Holland remained composed and goals from Robin Van Persie, Wesley Sneijder, Elia, Van Bommel and a brace from Arjen Robben, who who subsequently left the pitch in discomfort, was more than enough to see Holland register yet another impressive win. The Dutch are quickly shaping up as a serious player in South Africa with these dominant displays.

New Zealand

Pre-World Friendly Form: LWL

Australia 2-1 New Zealand
Serbia 0-1 New Zealand
Slovenia 3-1 New Zealand
New Zealand – Chile

Just one win over Serbia is all New Zealand have to show for themselves after three internationals. The Kiwi’s started pretty well actually, unfortunately losing 2-1 to neighbours Australia after conceding in the 94th minute. Their second game seen them produce on of the shock results of this warm up period, beating a potential dark horse in Serbia 1-0 via a scruffy Smeltz goal. New Zealand weren’t to make it back-to-back wins however when falling to a 3-1 defeat against Slovenia. Ricki Herbert’s players were completely outclassed if truth be told, with only a Rory Fallon strike avoiding a whitewash.

Nigeria

Pre-World Friendly Form: DD

Nigeria 0-0 Saudi Arabia
Nigeria 1-1 Colombia
Nigeria V North Korea

The African ‘Super Eagles’ didn’t make the most convincing of starts in their bid to get in tip-top shape ahead of a testing World Cup campaign South Africa, where they’ll face Argentina, South Korea and Greece in Group B. It began with stalemate after drawing 0-0 with Saudi Arabia in a game Nigeria failed to produce anything concrete in front of goal. Their second also ended in a share of the spoils, as Nigeria played out a 1-1 draw with non-qualifiers Colombia. Lars Lagerback’s men did at least get on the score sheet through Lukman Haruna. Nigeria will pit their wits against one of the rank outsiders, North Korea, before switching their attention towards the finals and qualifying from a competitive Group B.

Paraguay

Pre-World Friendly Form: WDL

Republic of Ireland 2-1 Paraguay
Paraguay 2-2 Cote d’Ivoire
Greece 0-2 Paraguay

It looked as though Paraguay, one of the more fancied outsiders for South Africa, were going to head into the finals without a victory to shout about. However, in the final game before the finals, Paraguay etched out an impressive and confidence producing win over 2004 European champions Greece, with goals from Lucas Barrios and Vera restoring some winning mentality following a draw with Ivory Coast and defeat to the Republic of Ireland. The defeat did come first against the Irish, and perhaps it is a testament to the coach and the players that they overcome their opening setback to later on record a draw and a win. Barrios was once again on the score sheet against Ireland, as well was he against the Ivory Coast, with the Borussia Dortmund forward scoring in every game for Paraguay thus far.

Although the 2-0 victory over the Greek’s was the most pleasing of results on paper, Paraguay’s comeback against Ivory Coast impressed us the most as it was a game Paraguay looked destined to lose at one stage. Roque Santa Cruz’s second half appearance was what spurred Paraguay on, while it was a stunning volley from Barrios which sparked the revival. Paraguay have shown some early ability to defy adversity, to put losses behind them and to recover from deficits in games. Two traits which can only benefit them in South Africa.

Portugal

Pre-World Friendly Form: WD

Portugal 0-0 Cape Verde
Portugal 3-1 Cameroon
Portugal – Mozambique

The Portuguese will arrive in South Africa as an outsider can you believe it, although they were justifying their outsider tag when only mustering a draw against minnows Cape Verde. It was another alarming display from Portugal, lacking any cutting edge of clinical play in front of goal. That wasn’t to be the case against Cameroon though, with Portugal finally exerting some forward supremacy with goals from Raul Meireles, two in fact from the midfielder, and Manchester United winger Nani. Ronaldo, though, failed to find the goal in both encounters and that’s a worrying sign considering the hopes of a nation rest upon his broad shoulders.

Portugal will complete their warm up campaign against Mozambique on June 7th before fully committing to the forthcoming finals, where they’ll clash with Brazil and Ivory Coast in the ‘Group of Death’ as well as North Korea in Group G.

Spain 1-0 South Korea

Goal(s): J. Navas

Italy 1-2 Mexico

Goal(s): L. Bonucci; C. Vela, A. Medina

Germany 3-1 Bosnia & Herzegovina

Goal(s): P. Lahm, B. Schweinsteiger; E. Dzeko

We heard this comical news piece first on TalkSport this afternoon, but the latest news from the Mexico camp is of unrest after coach Aguirre’s decision to axe young Dos Santos brother Jonathan from the Mexico 23-man FIFA World Cup squad. Older brother Giovanni, currently of Tottenham Hotspur in England but spent last season on loan with Turkish side Galatasaray, has responded to Javier Aguirre’s decision to cut his young sibling from the pack in a bitter fashion, aided by his father, with the Tottenham winger considering recalling his services from the international team if his young brother isn’t included in the squad for South Africa.

We’ve watched Giovanni Dos Santos in some of Mexico’s recent warm up games, the game against England at Wembley especially, and he was bright and lively on the wing. Were he to pull out of the team in bizarre and comical circumstances, Mexico would lose some genuine creativity and spark from their forward options. We wait with eager eyes to see how this situation resolves itself.

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre unveiled his final 23, twenty-three players he hopes will take the country deep into the 2010 FIFA World Cup from June 11th – July 11th. One of the more notable exclusion, purely because of his name, was Jonathan Dos Santos, the younger brother of former Barcelona ace Giovani Dos Santos. While the younger sibling didn’t make the final Mexico cut along with three other players, his brother, who spent the remainder of last season on loan at Galatasarary in Turkey, did although we’re sure Jonathan will show no bitterness towards Giovanni and give his brother all the support he needs ahead of a big summer of football.

Jonathan is just 20 years-old and his time to shine in the finals of a World Cup will come, we’re sure about that. It does however leave us with information on another complete team, with some big Mexican stars staying on, including Blanco, Marquez, Hernandez, Dos Santos and Carlos Vela.

Mexico’s first game of the tournament is against the host nation South Africa on June 11th, while games with France and Uruguay await them further down the line, as the objective now for Mexico will be targeting progression from Group A.

Mexico final 23-man Squad:

Goalkeepers: Oscar Perez, Guillermo Ochoa, Luis Ernesto Michel
Defenders: Rafael Marquez, Ricardo Osorio, Francisco Rodriguez, Carlos Salcido, Hector Moreno, Paul Aguilar, Efrain Juarez, Jonny Magallon, Jorge Torres Nilo
Midfielders: Andres Guardado, Gerardo Torrado, Israel Castro, Giovani dos Santos
Forwards: Pablo Barrera, Adolfo Bautista, Alberto Medina, Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Carlos Vela, Javier Hernandez, Guillermo Franco