Mexico national football team

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Mexico

Nickname

El Tri (El Tricolor)

Association

Federación Mexicana
de Fútbol Asociación

Confederation

CONCACAF (North America)

Head coach

Hugo Sánchez Márquez

Captain

Rafael Márquez

Most caps

Claudio Suárez (178)

Top scorer

Jared Borgetti (40)

Home stadium

Estadio Azteca

FIFA code

MEX

FIFA ranking

Highest FIFA ranking

4 (May 2006)

Lowest FIFA ranking

21 (January 2007)

Elo ranking

Highest Elo ranking

6 (June 2005)

Lowest Elo ranking

47 (February 1979)





First kit





Second kit

First international

Guatemala 2-3 Mexico

(Guatemala City, Guatemala; 1 January 1923)

Biggest win

Mexico 13-0 Bahamas

(Toluca, Mexico; April 28, 1987)

Biggest defeat

England 8-0 Mexico

(London, England; May 10, 1961)

World Cup

Appearances

13 (First in 1930)

Best result

Quarterfinals, 1970 and 1986

CONCACAF Gold Cup

Appearances

8 (First in 1991)

Best result

Winners, 1993, 1996,
1998, 2003

Confederations Cup

Appearances

5 (First in 1995)

Best result

Winners, 1999

The Mexico national football team – El Tri – is the national football team of Mexico, and is controlled by the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol (FEMEXFUT).

Since the 1990s, Mexico has been one of the most consistent nations in the world, having qualified for four consecutive World Cups, and reaching the second round on all four occasions. They have also had strong showings in the Copa America ever since their first invitation from the CONMEBOL in 1993 (although they are under the jurisdiction of CONCACAF).

[edit] History

[edit] Beginnings (1930-1970)

Mexico participated in the first World Cup in 1930 – losing all of its matches and finishing at the bottom of its group – Unfortunately Mexico did not appear again in the tournament until the 1950 FIFA World Cup where they did not make it to the first round. It was in the 1970's where Mexico qualified for six consecutive World Cups, including the hosting of the 1970 and 1986 FIFA World Cup|1986 tournament. Mexico has been on of the first countries to have host 2 Fifa World Cups.

Before 1970, Mexico struggled to make much impact in the World Cup when compared to European and South American teams and won only once in five tournaments (in 1962, a 3–1 win over Czechoslovakia). Goalkeeper Antonio Carbajal had the distinction of being the first player ever to appear in five consecutive World Cups.

[edit] (1970-1990)

In 1970, Mexico was able to make a breakthrough. Hosts for the tournament, they kicked off with a scoreless draw against the Soviet Union, followed by wins over El Salvador (4–0) and Belgium (1–0). Against Italy in the quarter-finals, Mexico took the lead before losing 4–1.

Mexico also hosted the 1986 FIFA World Cup after Colombia withdrew as host. Mexico in the 1986 World Cup, made a great impact playing well and thinking Mexico could go far in the tournament. Unfortunately, they exited in the Quartefinals.

Mexico was disqualified from the 1990 qualifiers due to fielding an overage player in the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying youth tournament in Guatemala for the 1988 Summer Olympics, but have since qualified for four consecutive World Cups and passing to the Round of 16 in all 4 occasions.

[edit] Recent years

In the 1990s, Mexican football began experiencing more consistent international success. An important turning point was its participation in the 1993 Copa America, where they finished second in the tournament, losing to Argentina 2–1 in the final. Mexico went on to win its group (on tiebreakers) in the 1994 World Cup, emerging from the tournament's "Group of death", composed of Mexico, Italy, Ireland, and Norway. Although Mexico eventually lost in the second round to Bulgaria, this performance began a string of successful showings at football's premier event, as the team also moved on to the second round in 1998, 2002, and 2006.

Since their second place finish in the 1993 Copa America, Mexico has been a regular participant in the South American tournament and has fared well. It earned third place in 1997 and 1999 and another second-place finish in 2001. Mexico has never failed to reach the quarter finals of the Copa America and twice has had the leading scorer in the tournament (Luis Garcia in 1995 (sharing the title with Argentine striker Gabriel Batistuta) and Luis Hernández in 1997).

Mexico hosted and won the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup. Mexico won its first official FIFA tournament trophy by beating Brazil with a final score of 4–3. Mexico's star, Cuauhtémoc Blanco, shared the tournament's Golden Shoe award as top scorer with Ronaldinho.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the United States proved a credible challenger to Mexico's dominance on the continental football scene, winning the 2002 Gold Cup and eliminating Mexico in the second round of the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Mexico again hosted the Gold Cup in 2003. Mexico's under-23 national team exacted a measure of revenge on the United States by eliminating them during their qualification run to the 2004 Summer Olympics. In the 2005 Gold Cup tournament, however, Mexico were eliminated by Colombia.

The parallel emergence of the United States and Mexico on the international stage has helped elevate the status of the CONCACAF region, and has provided a natural rivalry that has benefited the development of both national teams. The United States and Mexico regularly play friendly matches in the United States. The U.S. has won more of the games played in the U.S., while Mexico remains unbeaten in Estadio Azteca.

The growth experienced by the Mexican national team since the early 1990s was matched by the increased competitiveness of its domestic league, the Primera División de México. Due in large part to lucrative television contracts, Mexican football clubs are amongst the richest outside of Europe. The influx of high level foreign players, together with increased participation in international tournaments has helped compensate for the fact that, traditionally, relatively few Mexican players have sought opportunities in other countries.

Among those that have had successful careers in European leagues are Hugo Sánchez (Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid), Luis Garcia (Atlético Madrid and Real Sociedad), and Rafael Márquez (AS Monaco and FC Barcelona).

[edit] 2002 World Cup

Mexico opened play in the 2002 World Cup with a 1–0 win over Croatia, with Cuauhtémoc Blanco scoring a penalty kick. In the second match, Mexico earned a 2–1 win over Ecuador with goals from Jared Borgetti and Gerardo Torrado. Against Italy, Mexico played to a 1–1 draw with Italy, thanks to a goal from Borgetti that was regarded as one of the best of the tournament. In the second round, Mexico played continental rivals the United States, and the U.S. beat Mexico 2–0. Captain Rafael Marquez was sent off late in the game for a head butt.

[edit] 2006 World Cup

Mexican National team on training at Göttingen for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Mexico played a series of friendlies in preparation for the World Cup in the United States of America, seeking to maximize revenue by appealing to Mexican Americans living in the USA.

Controversially, Mexico was one of eight seeded teams in the first round at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. This was the first time a non-hosting CONCACAF nation was seeded. Mexico was put in Group D with Iran, Angola and Portugal.

Mexico won their opening match 3–1 against Iran, with two goals from Omar Bravo and one by Zinha. In their second match, Mexico played to a 0–0 draw against Angola. Mexico joined Portugal as a qualifier in the Round of 16, despite losing to the Portuguese 2–1. During the match, Bravo missed a penalty shot.

In the second round, Mexico played against Argentina. The Mexicans scored in the 5th minute with a goal by captain Rafael Márquez. Four minutes later, an own-goal by an injured Jared Borgetti allowed Argentina to equalize. The score remained 1–1 after ninety minutes, and in extra time, an exceptional volley by Maxi Rodríguez in the second period of extra time brought about a 2–1 win for Argentina.

Argentine-born coach Ricardo Lavolpe stepped down as coach after the tournament, and was succeeded by Hugo Sánchez.

[edit] Current Squad

The following squad was chosen to play in friendly matches against Paraguay on March 25, 2007 , and Ecuador on March 28, 2007.

No.	Pos.	Player	DoB/Age	Caps	Goals	Club
1	GK	Guillermo Ochoa	13 July 1985	4	0	América
2	DF	Ricardo Osorio	30 March 1980	46	1	Stuttgart
3	DF	Jonny Magallón	21 November 1981	2	0	Guadalajara
4	DF	Rafael Márquez (Captain)	13 February 1979	76	8	Barcelona
5	MF	Ramón Morales	10 October 1975	48	5	Guadalajara
6	MF	Gerardo Torrado	30 April 1979	64	2	Cruz Azul
7	MF	Alberto Medina	29 May 1983	29	2	Guadalajara
8	DF	Gonzalo Pineda	19 October 1982	37	1	Guadalajara
9	FW	Jared Borgetti	14 August 1973	80	40	Cruz Azul
10	FW	Omar Bravo	4 March 1980	37	10	Guadalajara
11	MF	Andrés Guardado	28 September 1986	12	1	Atlas
12	GK	José de Jesús Corona	26 January 1981	6	0	UAG
13	GK	Oscar Perez	1 February 1973	47	0	Cruz Azul
14	MF	Gerardo Galindo	23 May 1978	10	2	Necaxa
15	DF	José Antonio Castro	11 August 1980	16	0	América
16	DF	Óscar Rojas	21 August 1981	8	0	América
17	FW	Francisco Fonseca	2 October 1979	36	20	UANL
18	MF	Fernando Arce	24 April 1980	12	1	Morelia
19	MF	Gerardo Galindo	23 May 1978	10	2	Necaxa
20	DF	Joaquin Beltran	29 April 1977	12	1	Necaxa
21	MF	Israel Lopez	29 September 1974	26	0	Cruz Azul
22	FW	Francisco Palencia	28 April 1973	78	11	UNAM
23	FW	Adolfo Bautista	15 May 1979	20	9	Guadalajara
24	DF	Francisco Javier Rodríguez	20 October 1981	32	1	Guadalajara
25	DF	Israel Castro	20 December 1980	1	0	UNAM

[edit] Recent call-ups

The following players have all recently been called up to the Mexican squad. Bracket shows last call-up time.

Pos.	Player	DoB/Age	Caps	Goals	Club
GK	Oswaldo Sanchez	21 September 1973	80	0	Santos Laguna
DF	Carlos Salcido	2 April 1980	37	2	PSV
MF	Pavel Pardo	26 July 1976	133	5	Stuttgart
MF	Manuel Pérez	22 January 1980	1	0	Atlas
MF	Juan Carlos Medina	22 August 1983	2	0	Atlas
FW	Juan Carlos Cacho	3 May 1982	4	0	Pachuca
FW	Cuauhtémoc Blanco	17 January 1973	88	31	América
MF	Carlos Adrian Morales	6 September 1979	-	-	Toluca
FW	Nery Castillo	13 July 1984	0	0	Olympiakos

[edit] International Competition Records

[edit] FIFA World Cup

1930 - Round 1
1934 - Did not qualify
1938 - Withdrew
1950 - Round 1
1954 - Round 1
1958 - Round 1
1962 - Round 1
1966 - Round 1
1970 - Quarterfinals
1974 - Did not qualify
1978 - Round 1
1982 - Did not qualify
1986 - Quarterfinals
1990 - Disqualified
1994 - Round 2
1998 - Round 2
2002 - Round 2
2006 - Round 2

[edit] FIFA U-20 World Cup

1977 - Second place
1997 - Round 2
1999 - Quarterfinals
2001 - Did not qualify
2003 - Round 1
2005 - Did not qualify

[edit] FIFA U-17 World Cup

1985 - Disqualified
1987 - Round 1
1989 - Round 1
1991 - Round 1
1993 - Round 1
1995 - Did not qualify
1997 - Round 1
1999 - Quarterfinals
2001 - Did not qualify
2003 - Quarterfinals
2005 - Champions

[edit] CONCACAF Gold Cup

1991 - Third place
1993 - Champions
1996 - Champions
1998 - Champions
2000 - Quarterfinals
2002 - Quarterfinals
2003 - Champions
2005 - Quarterfinals
2007 -

[edit] CONMEBOL Copa América

1993 - Second place
1995 - Quarterfinals
1997 - Third place
1999 - Third place
2001 - Second place
2004 - Quarterfinals
2007 -

[edit] Pan American Games

1951 - Did not compete
1955 - Runners-up
1959 - Sixth place
1963 - Did not compete
1967 - Winners
1971 - Round 1
1975 - Winners
1979 - Did not compete
1983 - Round 1
1987 - Fourth place
1991 - Runners-up
1995 - Runners-up
1999 - Winners
2003 - Third place

[edit] FIFA Confederations Cup

1992 - Did not qualify
1995 - Third place
1997 - Round 1
1999 - Champions
2001 - Round 1
2003 - Did not qualify
2005 - Fourth place

[edit] List of Goalscorers in World Cups

Player	Goals	Year
Juan Carreño	1	1930
Manuel Rozas	2	1930
Roberto Gayón	1	1930
Héctor Ortíz	1	1950
Horacio Casarín	1	1950
José Lamadrid	1	1954
Tomás Balcázar	1	1954
Jaime Belmonte	1	1958
Isidoro Díaz	1	1962
Alfredo del Águila	1	1962
Héctor Hernández	1	1962
Enrique Borja	1	1966
Javier Valdivia	2	1970
Javier Fragoso	1	1970
Ignacio Basaguren	1	1970
Gustavo Peña	1	1970
José González	1	1970
Arturo Vázquez	1	1978
Víctor Rangel	1	1978
Fernando Quirarte	2	1986
Hugo Sánchez	1	1986
Luis Flores	1	1986
Manuel Negrete	1	1986
Raúl Servín	1	1986
Luis García	2	1994
Marcelino Bernal	1	1994
Alberto García Aspe	2	1994-1998
Luis Hernández	4	1998
Ricardo Peláez	2	1998
Cuauhtémoc Blanco	2	1998-2002
Jared Borgetti	2	2002
Gerardo Torrado	1	2002
Omar Bravo	2	2006
Zinha	1	2006
Francisco Fonseca	1	2006
Rafael Márquez	1	2006