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Blanco Once Again Key To World Cup Berth
Cuauhtemoc Blanco made a surprise start against El Salvador as Mexico clinched a World Cup spot.
Oct 11, 2009 11:22:48 AM
Blanco started the game and lasted 77 minutes on the field, eventually coming off to thunderous applause. The player had previously retired from the national team, but returned under Javier Aguirre. Now, the game against El Salvador might have been Blanco’s last official game with the Mexican national team.
“I think that it was(my last official game) because at 40 years old it’s difficult that I’ll play again. The most important thing is that we got the ticket to the World Cup,” said Blanco to the press after the game. “I leave very happy and I’m thankful for the fan support, my family’s, and my friends’. I get goosebumps. Now I have to work hard with my team to make it to the World Cup.”
The player also spoke about his fitness level going into the game and his decision of playing while injured.
“I wasn’t at 100 percent, but we were a small step away of playing in a World Cup and I didn’t want to miss it. That’s why I decided to play injured, and thank God it turned out fine.”
Although Blanco helped qualify for South Africa, and added a goal in the against El Salvador that qualified Mexico, he’s knows that he has to work at club level to make it onto the final list.
“It’s the manager’s decision. One just has to prepare and be at 100 percent with your team to be called up for the Mexican national team and play in the World Cup,” added Blanco. “The truth is that we can make history, but we have to work. We have time to do it and hopefully we can have a good World Cup.”
Previous to the game El Salvador spoke about grabbing a win at the Azteca, especially since a loss would finish their World Cup dreams.
“We needed to quiet them. The truth is that they talked too much. They wanted to get an “Aztecazo” and they weren’t able to. This is our house and no one comes to trounce us here. The public was also an important part in that. ”
Although Mexico is qualified for the World Cup, a last game is still yet to be played against Trinidad and Tobago midweek. The qualifying cycle has been long for Mexico, going through Hugo Sanchez and Sven Goran Eriksson before finally sticking to Javier Aguirre.
“We’re very happy. I think that we deserved it and we needed to win. Thank God we were able to, and the truth is that I’m happy because that’s what the public and my country wanted. The important thing was that we remained together and gave a great effort. In the beginning we suffered, but thank God we fought, we talked, and we formed a great team. Everything was a mental problem, and thankfully it didn’t grow to anything more serious.”
Andrea Martinez, Goal.com
For more coverage of the Mexican national team, visit Goal.com's Mexican football section.
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