If you thought Mexico were not taking next week's friendly with the U.S. men's national team seriously, you were wrong.
Mexico head coach Jose Manuel de la Torre has revealed his 18-player roster for the upcoming game against the United States at Estadio Azteca, and it is comprised of mostly first-choice players. Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez, Andres Guardado, Guillermo Ochoa and Pablo Barrera are just some of the more well-known names on the Mexican team that will look to extend its unbeaten run over the Americans to five games while also staying undefeated against their northern rivals in their soccer cathedral.
Two of the more notable omissions for de la Torre are defender Carlos Salcido and attacking midfielder Giovani dos Santos, both of whom are currently with the Mexican Olympic team that will compete in the gold medal game against Brazil on Saturday in London.
U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann is not expected to announce his roster for next Wednesday's match until this Sunday.
Here is Mexico's 18-man roster:
Goalkeepers: Alfredo Talavera (Toluca), Guillermo Ochoa (AC Ajaccio, France)
Defenders: Francisco Javier Rodriguez (VfB Stuttgart, Germany), Hector Moreno (RCD Espanyol, Spain), Severo Meza (Monterrey), Hugo Ayala (Tigres UANL), Jorge Torres (Tigres UANL), Enrique Perez (Morelia)
Midfielders: Jesus Zavala (Monterrey), Manuel Viniegra (Tigres UANL), Edgar Gerardo Lugo (Santos Laguna), Adrian Aldrete (Club America), Pablo Barrera (Cruz Azul), Andres Guardado (Valencia C.F., Spain), Angel Reyna (Monterrey)
Forwards: Aldo de Nigris (Monterrey), Javier Hernandez (Manchester United), Elias Hernandez (Tigres UANL)
——–
What do you think of Mexico's roster? Do you see any U.S. team being able to get a result against this squad? Think El Tri will miss not having dos Santos?
Share your thoughts below.