Blanco Hoping For 2010 World Cup Opportunity

The midfielder marked the penalty that gave Mexico the win over Honduras

Sep 10, 2009 3:55:23 AM

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Cuauthemoc Blanco - Mexico (Mexsport)
Mexico jumped into second place of the CONCACAF hexagonal in route to World Cup Qualifying on Wednesday evening. In a hard-fought game, it came down to penalty on Giovani Dos Santos. Captain Cuauhtémoc Blanco went up to take it, and put El Tri up 1-0. However, Blanco is still warning that Mexico have yet to officially qualify for the World Cup in South Africa.
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The game at the Azteca took over an hour to crack, and Blanco credited a focused team on the result.

“I think that we took an important step today. Yes, we’re happy. I think that Honduras defended well, but thank God, we didn’t become desperate,” said the Chicago Fire player after the game. “Despite the kicks, we didn’t lose concentration although the referee made a few small mistakes. We have to keep working because we haven’t qualified(to South Africa) yet.”

Mexico had many opportunities for goal, but Blanco noted a defensive Honduras worked to keep the score level for a majority of the game.

“We were superior all game, but we knew that this team(Honduras) was coming here(to the Azteca) to defend.”

Despite his current 36 years of age, Blanco hopes to get to South Africa in 2010.

“God willing, I hope to be. Right now we only have think about qualifying and then we’ll see,” added Blanco. “We’re not qualified yet, but we only need a few more points. We hope to qualify soon.”


Giovani Dos Santos who drew the penalty, said after the game that Blanco has contributed to the state of the Mexican team.

“For me, ‘Cuau’ has always been a role model to follow. He’s an idol for me. I think that he’s a player with intelligence and that has helped us a lot,” said Dos Santos.

Andrea Martinez, Goal.com

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