In the previous six World Cups Mexico have qualified from their group, but on each occasion they have failed to progress further than the first knockout stage. The only years they have reached the quarter-finals were 1970, and 1986, and on both of these occasions they were hosts.
This failure to progress beyond the last sixteen for the past 20 years has started to weigh heavily on the minds of the Mexicans, and in order to get past it they will have to overcome themselves as much as they will their opponents. But first they have to get through a group containing Germany, South Korea, and Sweden.
In Juan Carlos Osorio they have a manager who does things a bit differently, which is has been seen as both a positive and a possible drawback. The 56-year-old Columbian is well travelled and has European as well as Latin American influences, and he’s been touted for a job in Europe when his time at Mexico comes to an end — possibly after this tournament.
Mexico are an exciting squad containing some familiar faces, and one or two who may be on the verge of becoming more household names.
Familiar Faces
Javier Hernández, or Chicharito, is the most high profile name in the squad, and has carved out a successful career in Europe appearing for Manchester United, Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, and now West Ham.
More importantly for Mexico, he is their all-time top scorer, which gives him hero status in his homeland and they will be looking to him to fire them to success in Russia. Luckily for the goal-poacher, there are a few players behind him who are ready to step up to offer assistance.
Rafael Márquez’s inclusion in the squad see his tie the record for most World Cup appearances, with five. Both the former Barcelona man, now 39, and captain Andrés Guardado are on 144 caps, and need two more to join Pável Pardo and Gerardo Torrado in second on Mexico’s all-time appearances list.
Under the Radar
The Mexico squad contains three players plying their trade in Los Angeles in Major League Soccer: the Dos Santos brothers Giovani and Jonathan for LA Galaxy, and Carlos Vela for Los Angeles FC. This move back across the Atlantic means they are now out of the Eurocentric glare of the world's football media.
Vela’s performances for the 2018 expansion club (who ironically replaced the Mexican themed Chivas USA in the league) have showed signs that he is playing some of the best football of his career.
The former Arsenal and Real Sociedad forward could raise a few eyebrows at the tournament, as fans remember the quality he possesses in his left boot.
Utility player Diego Reyes could also see his name written down in a few scouts’ notebooks while playing in midfield or defence. The once highly regarded youngster, now 25, has been plying his trade in Spain in recent years, on loan from Porto.
Future Stars
Hirving Lozano, nicknamed Chucky, is the future star but could also be the key player such has been his form for Eredivisie champions PSV this season.
At 20-years-old Edson Álvarez is the youngest player in the squad and could feature thanks to his versatility, especially if right back Carlos Salcedo is moved into the centre.
23-year-old Jesús Gallardo will provide cover down the left side, and has recently been starting games at left back. He has plenty of pace and could be a good option from the bench in attacking areas, too.
Key Players
If he’s in the starting eleven, Lozano’s performances could be key to the progress of this side. His incisive runs from the wing will create space and chances for the likes of Hernández and Vela, and also enable him to get on the scoresheet himself.
He scored 17 goals for PSV last season as they took the title ahead of a much-lauded Ajax group, and the 22-year-old can work from either flank. He will be hoping for a starting berth and the opportunity to test himself against the likes of Germany in the group stage, and possibly Brazil in the first knockout round.
An organised defence and stability in midfield will also be important to provide a platform for these attacking stars, which is where the likes of Héctor Moreno and Héctor Herrera could come in.
With Osorio at the helm the team performance will be key, but Mexico have a number of individuals to look out for during the tournament as they look to progress beyond the dreaded quinto partido.
