Despite World Cup Berth Secure, Mexico Want More

Through four games in the 2009 Hexagonal, Mexico were in fifth place and World Cup qualification seemed a difficult challenge.

With one game remaining, Mexico have turned things around and secured qualification for the World Cup finals. But the team's turnaround is not entirely over. Players are hoping that, after Wednesday's final Hexagonal matches, Mexico will sit atop the table and finish in first place.

Mexico players said they are hoping their efforts against Trinidad & Tobago result in victory and a first-place spot in the Hexagonal.

"We have one game left and we always step on the field in search of a win. There's no other way," Mexico 'keeper Guillermo Ochoa said in a press conference. "So, we hope the results go in our favor so we can finish in first place. We've heard that it could be in our favor to win the group because it could help us in the draw, and we'll try and reach that."

In order for El Tri to finish first, Mexico must beat Trinidad & Tobago and the United States must draw or lose to Costa Rica. The U.S. sit atop the table with 19 points and have also wrapped up a spot in South Africa, using a 3-2 win in San Pedro Sula over Honduras to punch their own ticket.

Even if Mexico finish in second place, the team would have overcome plenty to get to that point. And whatever group Mexico find themselves in after the Dec. 4 draw, players said they would do well to prepare for next summer's tournament.

"Of course we know there is a lot of time left until the World Cup," Ochoa said, "so we need to use that time well to motivate, dream and work hard in order to reach the World Cup in top form."

Goal.com

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