2015 Gold Cup Team Preview: Mexico

By Jack Williams | Jul 9, 2015

Jul 1, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Fans cheer during a match between Mexico and Honduras at NRG Stadium. Mexico and Honduras played to a 0-0 tie. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Jul 1, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Fans cheer during a match between Mexico and Honduras at NRG Stadium. Mexico and Honduras played to a 0-0 tie. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

The 2015 Gold Cup is a huge chance for Mexico to reassert themselves on the international stage having crashed out of the Copa America despite having a strong World Cup showing in 2014. The team ranked 4oth in the world finished bottom of their group in this years Copa America, but a brand new team is ready to do battle in the Gold Cup.

The six-time Gold Cup winners are co-favorites as usual; looking to add to their record haul and make it seven titles. Their last title came in 2011. Will 2015 be their year?

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Group C – Predication: 1st

Mexico face Cuba in their opening game in Chicago, with Cuba the weakest opponent on paper. However, despite recent woes including a 4-1 loss to the New York Cosmos and being dumped out of World Cup qualifying by minnows Curacao; Cuba did of course reach the quarterfinals last time out.

On July 12, Mexico are against Guatemala with Marco Pappa leading a Guatemalan side that could spring an upset. Captain Carlos Ruiz is the record goal-scorer and appearance maker in what could be his last tournament.

They finish the group against Trinidad and Tobago, by which time they should be sitting top of the group. Their final opponents boast Premier League and Championship veteran Kenwyne Jones in a really mixed squad. If Mexico fail to make it out then serious questions will be asked.

Key Players

Javier Hernandez was expected to lead the line, but a shoulder injury has ruled the reported Orlando City-target out of the tournament; a huge blow despite a lack of success at club level. Chicharito remains a big game player for Mexico.

That leaves former Spurs man Giovani dos Santos and Liga MX veteran Oribe Peralta to provide the goals. Their task is made easier with the long-awaited return of Carlos Vela to the national team. Between them they have scored 43 goals on the international stage, not a bad number at all.

Guillermo Ochoa is the man between the sticks; he was one of the World Cup’s standout performers with his exploits against Brazil especially. He is a reassuring figure as Mexico look to go all the way and win the competition.

Youngster Jesus Corona scored back in May against Guatemala in a 3-0 friendly win and will hope to do the same in the Gold Cup itself. The speedy winger plays his club football in the Netherlands for FC Twente. For how long is uncertain, with reported interest from Manchester City and Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven.

Goalkeepers: Guillermo Ochoa, Moises Munoz, Jonathan Orozco

Defence: Francisco Rodriguez, Diego Reyes, Hector Moreno, Yasser Corona, Miguel Angel Herrera, Paul Aguilar, Jesus Duenas, Jorge Torres Nilo, Miguel Layun

Midfield: Jose Juan Vazquez, Andres Guardado, Hector Herrera, Antonio Rios, Carlos Esquivel, Jonathan dos Santos, Jesus Corona

Forwards: Giovani dos Santos, Oribe Peralta, Carlos Vela

The Boss

Miguel Herrera is the man in charge, but is under pressure to meet expectations having done so well in Brazil only for Mexico to finish bottom of the group in the Copa America. A man famous for his sideline celebrations, he needs to get the right results before he can think about celebrating anything else. If it all goes wrong, then his future as the Mexican manager may be limited.