Mexico

Zinha Cites Tactical Decisions For Roster Omission

Despite success in World Cup qualifying and experience in the World Cup, Antonio Naelson "Zinha" said tactics have cost him the chance of helping Mexico.

Jul 30, 2009 10:50:31 AM

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Fabricio Coloccini-Antonio Naelson - Mexico-Argentina (Mexsport)

Antonio Naelson’s consistency with the Mexican national team and Toluca had made the Brazilian midfielder into a permanent fixture with the Tricolor. However, since the arrival of Javier Aguirre to the Tricolor the Diablos Rojos team captain has yet to receive a call-up.

After being left out for the CONCACAF Hexagonal match against rivals the United States, “Zinha” told ESPN that his exclusion has to do with tactical preferences and will patiently wait until el Vasco requires his services.

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“I have never had problems with anyone in the national team as a matter of fact I have made many friends. When I have been called into training camp I have felt really good. I think that the reason I do not get called-up is because of tactical questions and nothing else. I respect Javier Aguirre’s decisions,” said Zinha.

Zinha has had success against the United States in Azteca. He scored the game-winning goal the last time the two teams met there for a World Cup qualifying match as Mexico beat the U.S. 2-1 in March 2005. Still, he wasn't exactly waiting by the phone this time around.

“I did not expect to get called up; I have never been approached by the coaching staff or have received a phone call. A few players called me to ask if I had been contacted but that never happened,” continued an unmotivated Zinha.

Despite not being in Aguirre’s current plans the veteran midfielder remains hopeful that he will receive a call up down the line. “I am grateful for the attention and wishes of good luck from the people that want me to be in the national team, hopefully that can happen again.”