Aguirre opts for youth and experience in final 23

Mexican coach Javier Aguirre had already trimmed his squad down to 26 before setting off on a pre-World Cup friendly tour, as a result only 3 players would be left heartbroken. Home based defenders Juan Carlos Valenzuela (America) and Adrian Aldrete (Morelia) were deemed surplus to requirements but most controversially young, Barcelona starlet Jonathon Dos Santos was also sent home prematurely. Despite having played in 4 friendlies this year including Mexico’s recent 5-1 win over Bolivia, Dos Santos was sent back to Mexico and an incandescent father who said;

“Jonathan will not play for Mexico any more,I love Mexico, I adore it, it is my country even though I am Brazilian but they cannot hurt him this way.”

Jonathon and his brother Giovanni Dos Santos (who will remain in the final 23) were seemingly inconsolable; however with only 3 appearances for Barcelona this season the youngster can have little complaint. Aguirre obviously felt he could not risk the same mistake as Sven Goran Eriksson who as England manager included Theo Walcott in 2006 but failed to use the Arsenal youth player. The non-inclusion of Dos Santos Junior now leaves Mexico with only 4 recognised midfielders in the squad a decision that may come back to haunt Aguirre.

The controversy seemed to have little effect on the squad on Thursday night as they recorded an impressive 2-1 against current World Champions Italy. Strikes from Carlos Vela and Alberto Medina (a sub for Dos Santos in 52 minutes) ensured a well deserved victory having previously lost against England and Holland.
So after a mass of 13 friendlies this year Mexico go into the inaugural South Africa 2010 match with a fair deal of confidence and more than realistic ambition of reaching the last 8 but much hinges on Aguirre’s selection.

Mexico final 23:
Goalkeepers: Memo Ochoa (America), Luis Ernesto Michel (Chivas), Oscar Perez (Chiapas)
Defenders: Rafael Marquez (Barcelona), Ricardo Osorio (free agent), Hector Moreno (AZ Alkmmar), Francisco Rodriguez (PSV Eindhoven), Carlos Salcido (PSV Eindhoven), Paul Aguilar (Pachuca), Efrain Juarez (Pumas UNAM)
Midfielders: Jonny Magallon (Guadalajara), Jorge Torres Nilo (Atlas), Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul), Israel Castro (Pumas UNAM), Andres Guardado (Deportivo La Coruna)
Forwards: Pablo Barrera (Pumas UNAM), Adolfo Bautista (Guadalajara), Alberto Medina (Guadalajara), Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Veracruz), Javier Hernandez (Guadalajara), Giovani dos Santos (Galatasaray), Guillermo Franco (free agent), Carlos Vela (Arsenal).

GOALKEEPERS
Memo Ochoa was the mainstay through qualification but his recent domestic form has given the opportunity to veteran, Oscar Perez. In the most recent friendlies Aguirre has opted to change about each man for each game as a result the owner of the No.1 jersey may be only known on Friday’s game against South Africa.

DEFENCE

Rafael Marquez should shake off his recent injury and partner fellow veteran Carlos Salcido in the heart of defence or at left back. Current free agent Ricardo Osorio is likely to play at right back with Francisco Rodriguez completing the back four. However Aguirre has tinkered with his defence in recent games may choose to employ Moreno or Juarez in wide positions. Mexico have looked vulnerable in recent matches being especially susceptible to corners and crosses into the goal area and must hope that Marquez can properly organise the defence.

MIDFIELD
The midfield chooses itself such is the lack of options available. Torrado will be the lynch-pin complementing the defence with Andres Guardado on the left and Israel Castro on the right. The defence should push forward to close down the midfield and the forwards need to track back when needed.

FORWARDS
Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez is an almost definite inclusion in attack probably being partnered by Arsenal’s Carlos Vela. Giovanni Dos Santos will act as the creative link between midfield and attack with Blanco or Medina being used as 2nd half substitutes. Worryingly, the attack lacks height but this apparent weakness can be countered by their sharp passing and tireless work rate.