XtraTime Web Desk: Mexico’s chances in the forthcoming FIFA World Cup in Russia might apparently seem very dim, but the players and the support staff have completely other ideas. According to them, there are three definite reasons why they believe they will appear as a “surprise” package despite their reasonably tough draw in the competition.
On a mission
Mexico have been handed a tough draw, with defending champions Germany, the ever-awkward Korea Republic and a talented Sweden side providing their group opposition. And should they finish second in the section, there is every likelihood they will be facing Brazil in the last 16.
Yet, while some may see that particular outlook as bleak, Mexico’s leading players have a different take on things.
Ace forward Javier Hernandez Chicharito said, “We want to be world champions and that’s what we’re aiming for. We don’t want to put any limits on ourselves. Some people complain that we’re not being realistic, but the reality is that if you don’t dream and strive for more, then you’re the one who has it all wrong.”
A generation with rich ‘European’ experience
For the first time in their history, Mexico will head to a World Cup with a squad in which over half of its members play their club football in Europe.
While none of them run out for any of this season’s UEFA Champions League semi-finalists, many of El Tri’s key players have maintained very high standards with some big clubs in Europe’s most important league championships.
That European nucleus includes Hernandez (West Ham United), Miguel Layun (Sevilla), Hirving Lozano (PSV Eindhoven), Raul Jimenez (Benfica), and Hector Herrera, Jesus Corona and Diego Reyes (Porto), to name but a few. Together, they form a solid core that can be relied upon to perform in Russia.
Coach Juan Carlos Osorio was full of confidence as he said, “We have a solid group of players with experience in Europe’s biggest leagues. If Raul, Javier and Hirving are on top of their game, then we can score against anyone.”
The understanding among the players
As many as 16 of the players who appeared at Brazil 2014 have featured in Juan Carlos Osorio’s plans over the last year, and most of them will be reappearing on the big stage this coming June.
The Colombian coach is in charge of a group that has been together for a long time, and as they themselves have said, the atmosphere in the dressing room has never been better.
One of the best performers of the previous World Cup, goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa said, “The boss has all but decided who’s going to be in the squad: the same tried and tested players he called on for the qualifiers and the Confederations Cup. He doesn’t have any doubts about his players, aside from the odd injury, but that’s only to be expected. The core of the team is there and that helps to calm the nerves of the players when thoughts turn to our rivals, to prepare as best they can.”