World Cup Record: Quarter-Finals 1970, 1986
Manager: Javier Aguirre
Key Player: Cuauhtemoc Blanco
Qualified: 2nd CONCACAF
Odds: 66/1

A solid World Cup pedigree, this will be Mexico’s 14th appearance at the tournament. Their best results came when hosting the tournament in 1970 and 1986, reaching the quarter-finals on both occasions. Indeed their form when hosting a tournament extended to the Confederations Cup, which they won in 1999 on home soil, beating Brazil 4-3 in the final. Mexican progress to South Africa 2010 has been less than serene, with three coaches (including Sven Goran-Eriksson) coming and going over the last two years, but the return of Javier Aguirre as head coach in April has steadied the ship and qualification was finally assured after a 4-1 victory over El Salvador in October.

Cuauhtemoc Blanco

Age: 36
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Club: Veracruz (Mexico – Primera Division)
Caps: 107 (37 goals)

The veteran midfielder was brought back into the international set-up by coach Aguirre in April 2009 at the age of 36. His presence was a key factor in Mexico’s qualification revival, scoring in the decisive victory over El Salvador as well as the key game against Honduras. Blanco came to attention during the 1998 World Cup in France when he showcased his unique trick – trapping the ball between his two feet and hopping over the challenge of his opponent – and his inventiveness allied with experience will be key to developing young, talented team-mates such as Giovanni Dos Santos and Carlos Vela.