With the 2014 World Cup in Brazil quickly approaching, each of the 32 teams entering the tournament continue to make their final preparations ahead of soccer's biggest event. While international squads in Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Argentina and defending champion Spain feel extremely comfortable with the level of talent they possess just four months shy of the opening match, other clubs still have plenty of work to do in order to give themselves the highest chance for success moving forward, and one of those teams looking to make a strong push in Brazil is the Mexican National team.
Though a large amount of talent exists in Mexico, first-year boss Miguel Herrera says he'll take his time in picking the perfect roster because he wants his unit to be complete when going up against the best in the world. “There are still two and a half months,” the former Club America manager said recently. “I have some names in my head.” The biggest names Herrera is referring to are those of Javier 'Chicharito' Hernández and Marco Fabian, two individuals who have enjoyed professional success with El Tri and in Mexico's Liga MX. While many believe Hernández -- who currently plays for Barclays Premier League affiliate Manchester United -- will make the final roster, others are not so sure about Fabian, even after his strong performance in a recent Mexican League match.
“Javier has the attitude, determination and is training very well,” Herrera, who says he'll wait until May to announce the final Mexican National roster, noted. “Physically he is in good shape and has 30 goals with El Tri. Marco scored a great goal [in last weekend's victory for Cruz Azul over Puebla] but it was just that. I have been following Marco for a long time, since he was with Chivas and I don't feel he is at that same level. We want to be among the top four at the World Cup. Out group is very tough but we want to make history in Brazil. We want to play a very good World Cup and we know Brazil is the team to beat.”
Mexico will play again next on March 5 in a friendly against Nigeria before battling the United States on April 2 in Glendale, Arizona. With a roster that already possesses Jesús Corona and Moisés Muñoz as keepers along with strong talents in Francisco Javier Rodríguez, Luis Montes and Oribe Peralta among others, Herrera will have the tough task of finalizing an El Tri roster with big time names including Hernández, Fabian and Giovanni dos Santos all hoping to make the squad.
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