Mexico

Goal.Commentary: Filling Out Sven's Roster

Goal.com's Sylvestre Adame has an 18-man roster sure to get a victory against Costa Rica and put Mexico back on track for the 2010 World Cup.

Mar 4, 2009 4:47:20 PM

More On : Mexico

The Mexican national team started off on the wrong foot in the Hexagonal round of World Cup Qualifying, losing 2-0 to the United States.

Many blame Sven-Goran Eriksson, but maybe he needs to bring out a better squad of 18. Mexico had problems when Hugo Sanchez was manager; since then they have not looked the same. So why blame the manager? Maybe it’s the 18 players that’s the problem.

Don't Miss

Andres Guardado Anticipates Deportivo Return

We here at Goal.com have taken the liberty of choosing Sven’s 18-man roster to face Costa Rica. Of course, some vital players like Rafael Marquez and Carlos Salcido are out due to suspension. Yet this will be a very important game for Mexico, as they hope to break their three-game losing streak and gain an important three points.

Mexico has a huge advantage since they will be playing in El Azteca, the place where they’ve only lost once - to Costa Rica. They will be facing a very tough Costa Rican team, but with this roster they are sure to get a good result.

Starting XI

Goalkeeper
Guillermo Ochoa: Sven has to recognize where the future talent lies. Guillermo Ochoa will bring a new boost of excitement to the team and the fans.

Defenders
Ricardo Osorio: The 28-year-old Stuttgart defender needs to be in the right back position.

Jonny Magallon: Since Rafael Marquez and Carlos Salcido will not be anchoring the Mexican defense, Magallon can shoulder that duty.

Aaron Galindo: The former Eintracht Frankfurt defender should be in the center, right alongside his Chivas teammate Jonny Magallon. Since they play on the same team, they should be able to direct the defense better.

Leobardo Lopez: The Pachuca man can fit in well in the left back position.

Midfielders
Andres Guardado: The left winger is set to return to action with Deportivo La Coruña on the 8th, when they face Racing Santander.

Antonio Naelson “Sinha:" He has shown some creativity with Toluca this season and should be able to control the tempo in the middle of the field.

Gerardo Torrado: Should be backing up the defense when he takes his defensive mid position.

Cesar Villaluz: The right winger would complement Guardado's game and both should explode up the wings

Forwards
Guillermo Franco: The veteran Villarreal strike man should boost the Mexican attack.

Aldo de Nigris: Has had a very good campaign for Monterrey and should be considered for a spot on the National Team.

Substitutes
Goalkeeper
Oswaldo Sanchez- Good solid veteran will add some experience to the squad.

Defenders: Francisco Javier “Maza” Rodriguez. The PSV man is a very strong presence in the center back position.

Fausto Pinto: The Cruz Azul left back would be a great addition to the team.

Midfielders
Pavel Pardo: The veteran midfielder will control the game tempo and will add a lot of experience to the squad.

Fernando Arce: He is an attacking midfielder and would be a good sub when a goal is needed.

Strikers
Matias Vuoso: Has shown many times that he can be a critical striker when coming off the bench.

Giovanni Dos Santos: Working with the combined speed of Guardado and Villaluz, Gio should be a very dangerous striker.

There is no doubt that Mexico will need a win against Costa Rica. With this squad they should be able to achieve that and qualify for the World Cup.

Sylvestre Adame covers Mexican soccer for Goal.com.

Follow Goal.com on Twitter

Follow Goal.com on Facebook

Thank you for your comment!

Please enter your name

Please enter your location

Please share your comment!