By DAN KARELL
If Mexico qualifies for the World Cup, they’ll do it without their European-based stars.
On Friday evening, Mexico National Team head coach Miguel Herrera announced his 23-man squad for the World Cup playoff matches against New Zealand, featuring only domestic-based players including 10 players from Herrera’s club side, Club America.
Players such as Javier Hernandez, Giovani Dos Santos, Guillermo Ochoa, and Andres Guardado were all left off the squad set to face the All Whites on November 13 in Mexico City and one week later in Wellington, New Zealand.
Herrera debuted his 5-3-2 formation to some success last Wednesday in a 4-2 victory over a short-handed Finland side at a friendly match in San Diego, Calif. Veteran centerback Rafa Marquez scored as did his Club Leon teammate Carlos Peña. Oribe Peralta and Alonso Escoboza rounded out the El Tri scoring against Finland.
Despite calling up Jose de Jesus Corona, America goalkeeper Moises Muñoz is likely to start as Herrera looks to use as many players from his America side that he can in order to ensure positive chemistry and comfort levels within the squad.
In addition to the European-based absentees, recent regulars such as Carlos Salcido, Gerardo Torrado, Christian Gimenez, and Jesus Zavala are all absent from the squad. In place of Lucas Lobos, who withdrew from the side due to a family issue, Herrera called up 37-year-old Toluca midfielder Sinha.
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What do you think of this news? Surprised to see the European-based played left off this squad? Do you see this bold move working? Do you believe Mexico still has the talent to make the World Cup?
Share your thoughts below.