Mexico

Although they’ve secured a berth only after an intercontinental play-off, Mexico go to Brazil with hopes of making a surprise run. And as always, with intention to go full throttle with their attacking.

All out attack

In case you don’t watch the Mexican league – it’s one of the most offensive on the planet with games going end-to-end from start to finish. Miguel Herrera was appointed head coach of the national team before the play-offs, albeit still being the manager of Club America. But desperate times mean taking desperate measures and he decided to take charge of Mexico. He called up players only from Mexican league and forced them to play free-flowing, attacking football. Mexico beat New Zealand 9-3 on aggregate.

Mexico is not a team to play defensive-minded football and Herrera is going to employ an offensive 5-3-2. The key player is though a central defender – Rafael Marquez. Former Barcelona defender will play as a libero, being the first playmaker on the field with his vision and technique. But he’s picked because of his leadership. “Marquez is a natural leader,” said Herrera after being appointed. “He’s a guy that talks on the field, leads and shouts at the right time.”

Leader of a difficult team

He will be leader of a team that is just entering its prime. Players like Luis Montes, Paul Aguilar are both experienced enough and young enough to be a part of a team based on intense running. Mexico has two great stars: Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez of Manchester United and Villarreal’s Giovanni dos Santos. The latter showed enough qualities this season to suggest that he’s finally fulfilling his potential. After troublesome years in Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur, he has found his right place for a footballing career.

Dos Santos is a clever playmaker cum winger and has both an eye for the pass and pace to be a great player in various gameplans.

Another big Mexican hope is Carlos Pena, midfielder playing currently in Mexican league in club Leon. He is known at home as ‘Gullit’, being similar to former Dutch international. Pena is a clever midfielder, feeling comfortable in defence and attack. This tournament might be a watershed moment for him – scouts from all over Europe might want to take a look at him.

Playing style

Very energetic and very offensive. Even against the likes of Croatia and Brazil they’ll look to score more than the opponent. It of course has certain disadvantages, especially with wing backs so high up the pitch – there’s a lot of space on both flanks. Mexico will be a very tough opponent but with thorough scouting, everyone in the group will find a way to beat them.

Coach

Miguel Herrera won the championship with Club America last year and is generally regarded as a popular figure in home country. He’s a coach that likes to attack and not just on the pitch, regularly arguing with referees and with players. After hearing Carlos Vela’s decision not to play in the national team, he posted a message for Real Sociedad’s player on Facebook.

Schedule and BETEGY predictions

13th June, Natal: vs. Cameroon (1-1)

17th June, Fortaleza: vs. Brazil (0-2)

23rd June, Recife: vs. Croatia (1-2)

Mexico’s chances of qualifying for the knockout stages are very slim (just 26% probability). They are likely to return home with some points but it’ll probably going to be just one, gained after drawing 1-1 with Cameroon in their first game.