World Cup 2014 Groups and Rosters: A Look at Mexico's Top Players [Watch]
There are 32 teams in the upcoming World Cup, but as with everything, no team is created equally. And likewise, no spotlight shines equally either. One of the teams that will be dealing with the greatest deal of speculation is undoubtedly Mexico's national side.
El Tri has gone through a great deal of controversy over the last year and will face more questions prior to, during and after its World Cup performance. Among those questions asked will be about whether its top stars are ready to step up or if it is in fact a time to look for new ones. Here are Mexico's top stars and a look at how equipped they are to make a big stand in Brazil.
The biggest name on Mexico's roster is Javier Hernandez. His name around the world is actually "Chicharito." The young Mexican forward players for Manchester United -- one of the reasons for his popularity -- but is also expected to be El Tri's biggest offensive threat.
"Expected" is the key word here. "Chicharito" has not performed at a high level for either club or country in a few years and all indications point to this tournament being no different for the 26-year-old. Chicharito has 35 goals for his country but has not scored in almost a year; his last tally in a Green shirt was on June 22 in the Confederations Cup against Japan. After that he went on to produce a forgettable year for United that included a total of nine goals in 35 matches. To be fair, the Mexican is getting no time as he waits behind Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie in the pecking order, but he has not exactly made the most of his time in a red uniform. So is there hope that he'll turn things around in the World Cup? He did score two goals back in 2010 as a 22-year-old. And coach Miguel Herrera has proven that he can get the best out of his national team players. So anything is possible with Chicharito.
Giovani dos Santos is another player that was expected to be the cream of the crop for Mexico's current generation, but he has disappeared in recent years. Anyone remember when he dominated the United States in the Gold Cup final back in 2011? After that, dos Santos has been AWOL in his nation's colors. Unfortunately, a lot of that has to do with his being put out of position with Mexico. A natural attacking midfielder, dos Santos has been pushed up top as a forward and the result has limited his creative abilities. He scored in this weekend's 3-1 romp over Ecuador, but that was his first goal since a 2012 qualifier against Guyana. He made 14 appearances for his country in 2013 but did not score a single goal in the interim. He can certainly turn things around and if his play against Ecuador is any indication, dos Santos might have the tournament of his life.
Oribe Peralta is the other big name on this team. Since putting up a clutch effort against Brazil in the Olympic finals in 2012, he has been the offensive leader of El Tri. The 30-year-old only has 16 national team goals, but 12 of them have come since August 2013; eight of those goals came in World Cup qualifiers. In fact, of Peralta's 16 national team tallies, 10 have come in qualifiers (and his Olympic goals are not included in this tally). This guy has been clutch in every possible way and he will likely thrive in his final tournament as a major star.
Andres Guardado is another player to look out for. The wingback is a versatile player that can play behind the ball and create offensive opportunities. He has just as many national team goals as Dos Santos (14) and his veteran experience will make him a major force in this World Cup.
Miguel Layun, 25, is also emerging as a major player for El Tri. He got his first call up in the 2013 Gold Cup and played a few qualifiers in the hexagon stage. However, he broke out under Herrera and has been a force down the flanks. He scored his first two international goals last week in a friendly again Israel and could put up some impressive performances starting next week.
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