Mexico creep onto the radar as a final four outsider
Published:With Mexico playing more World Cup warm-up games than anyone, Javier Aguirre’s side are starting to attract plenty of attention.
That would certainly explain why there has been increased interest in the Mexicans making it to the latter stages of the tournament.
They are being backed more regularly now than than they were four games ago, after impressive displays in defeats to World Cup favourites England and Holland, a thumping win against Gambia, and a professional performance in beating the holders Italy 2-1.
That run of four games in 10 days demonstrated Mexico’s ability to last the course, showed they have a depth of talent in the squad, and even suggested they could mix it with the big boys at the top of the betting tables.
It is entirely possible that given France’s tendency for self-destruction, South Africa’s limited ability, and Uruguay’s habit for getting stage fright, Mexico could take advantage of a wide open field and end up top of Group A (an 11/4 chance).
Should that happen they will likely face Nigeria, South Korea or Greece in the next stage and none of those would strike too much fear in the likes of Carlos Vela, Giovani de Santos and Javier Hernandez.
England would probably lie in wait should Mexico progress and Aguirre’s team, who play their home matches at high altitude, would relish the encounter in Johannesburg – 2,000m above sea level.
By Capello’s own admission England were lucky to win the friendly encounter after the visitors enjoyed double the possession and double the territory.
If we see a repeat of that Wembley match in a quarter-final game, don’t be surprised if the result is a different one with Mexico marching on to the semis – they are 9/1 to get that far.
