Mexico, Korea’s rival in the second round of the 2018 Russia World Cup, revealed its preliminary roster, which has five more men than the final squads (23 men).
“We picked 28 players for the warm-up match. We are going to submit our final 23-men squads by June 4,” the Mexican Football Federation said Tuesday. Mexico will have a warm-up match with Wales, Scotland and Denmark.
Mexico reportedly selected more players than the final entry due to injured players. “Our medical team will do their best for the players’ recovery,” said Juan Carlos Osorio, manager of the Mexico national team. “Our team has the power to overcome any obstacles including injuries.”
Javier Hernandez (West Ham United F.C.), who used to play with Park Ji-sung at Manchester United F.C. (England), was included in the roster. Known as Chicharito (whose meaning is “small pea”), he is one of the most representative strikers in Mexico who scored 49 goals in 100 A matches with his agile legs and excellent scoring abilities.
Rafael Márquez (Atlas) was picked as a midfielder. The 39-year-old, an all-around player who can play as both a center-back and a defensive midfielder, is a veteran player who participated in four consecutive World Cups from 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup to 2014 Brazil World Cup. “Márquez is very experienced,” Osorio said. “His leadership is definitely a plus to the team.” The Guardian reported that if Márquez does make the final squad for the 2018 World Cup, he will be the fourth man to feature at five World Cups.
Yun-Cheol Jeong trigger@donga.com