Midfielder Andres Guardado admits Mexico must deal with massive expectation levels as the Central Americans bid to qualify from Group A at the World Cup finals in South Africa (Mexico 66/1 – Tournament Outright).
‘El Tri’ have traditionally struggled to make an impact in the knockout stage of the competition and their last appearance in the quarter-finals came on home soil in 1986.
In the last four World Cups – they were banned in 1990 for fielding over-age players at the 1988 Olympic Games – Mexico have been dumped out at the round of 16 stage, but that has not stopped the country from going crazy again this time around.
And Guardado, who plies his trade in Spain for Deportivo La Coruna, has lifted the lid on just what it means to the Mexicans when they strut their stuff on the biggest stage of all.
“You try to get on with your job and put all that out of your mind but the whole country comes to a standstill whenever the national side is playing,” he told FIFA’s website.
“Sometimes other people just don’t understand the level of passion among Mexico fans. The cities are like ghost towns, every TV set is showing the Mexico game and the presenters on all the TV programmes, even the non-sports shows, are wearing Mexico shirts.
“Everyone has an opinion and obviously that creates pressure for us. Our job is to get that out of our heads and try to be calm as possible out on the pitch.”
Mexico have been drawn in Group A alongside host nation South Africa, 2006 finalists France and Uruguay.
Javier Aguirre’s men are 3/1 to top their group with Les Bleus the even-money favourites to qualify in pole position.
And Guardado concedes that the make-up of the group will make for a tough three games before Mexico can even think of the last-16 stage.
He added: “The host nation always tends to do well at the World Cup. Then there?s France, who have got players of the calibre of [Yoann] Gourcuff, [Franck] Ribery and William [Gallas].
“And even though the Uruguayans never arrive at the finals in good form they are always really tough opponents. What I’m most excited about though, is the Opening Match.
“The whole world will be watching us and I think any country would love to have that opportunity.
“I don’t like to set limits.
“There are always lots of surprises in football and though no one probably gives us much chance of getting through to the next round or the quarter-finals, we are confident we can be the revelations of the World Cup.”
Mexico continue their build-up with a friendly clash against England at Wembley on Monday night.
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