Mexico
Group D | World ranking: 4 Coach: Ricardo Lavolpe
Key Players: Jared Borgetti (forward), Rafael Marquez (defender)
Past Record: Quarter-finalists in 1970 and 1986; have missed just two World Cups (1982 and 1990) since 1950 Group D Results:
June 11: Iran (3-1 | Report)
June 16: Angola (0-0 | Report)
June 21: Portugal (1-2 | Report) Knockout Stages:
June 24: Argentina (1-2 | Report) Group Summary:
With an impressive win over Iran, a lacklustre draw with Angola and a flawed but feisty performance in a defeat by Portugal, the Mexicans have blown hot and cold so far. With a second round clash with the tournament's most impressive side, Argentina, to look forward to, Mexico's hopes of further advancement depend on volatile coach Ricardo Lavolpe coaxing greater authority and consistency from a group of players who have looked lightweight so far. Pre-Tournament Preview:
Mexico's constant presence in the top 10 of the FIFA world rankings is mainly due to the weaknesses of their regional CONCACAF opponents, which virtually guarantees the Mexicans a World Cup place. But the Aztecs have struggled to translate regional dominance into success at the finals. Four years ago they slipped up in the second round against archrivals, the U.S. Still, Ricardo Lavolpe's side will be neat in possession and hard to beat. In Jared Borgetti they have a proven goalscorer at international level while Barcelona's Rafael Marquez provides stability and strength at the back. They should ease into the second round where tougher opposition awaits. SquadGoalkeepers:
1. Oswaldo Sanchez (Guadalajara)
12. Jose Corona (Tecos)
13. Guillermo Ochoa (America) Defenders:
2. Claudio Suarez (Chivas USA)
3. Carlos Salcido (Guadalajara)
4. Rafael Marquez (FC Barcelona)
5. Ricardo Osorio (Cruz Azul)
14. Gonzalo Pineda (Guadalajara)
15. Jose Antonio Castro (America)
16. Mario Mendez (Monterrey)
22. Francisco Rodriguez (Guadalajara)
Midfielders:
6. Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul)
7. Antonio Naelson "Zinha" (Toluca)
8. Pavel Pardo (America)
11. Ramon Morales (Guadalajara)
18. Jose Guardado (Atlas)
20. Rafael Garcia (Atlas)
23. Luis Perez (Monterrey)
Forwards:
9. Jared Borgetti (Bolton)
10. Guillermo Franco (Villarreal)
17. Francisco Fonseca (Cruz Azul)
19. Omar Bravo (Guadalajara)
21. Jesus Arellano (Monterrey)
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