Exiled striker Vela to miss out on Mexico World Cup campaign

As expected, one of Mexico’s top talents Carlos Vela has not made up with the Mexican FA in time to play his part in this summer’s World Cup.

The former Arsenal man, who is now plying his trade in Spain with Real Sociedad but has been linked with a move back to North London, has scored nine goals in thirty-five appearances for “El Tri”. Vela has not played for Mexico since he fell out with the FA over a party he threw after a friendly against Colombia in 2011.

A reason that ties may have not been repaired with Vela in time for the showpiece event could be down to current coach Miguel Herrera, who took over in October 2013. Herrera is a hugely respected coach in his home country having won the Liga MX, the national top division, with America in 2013. The 48 year-old has favoured home based players, and the egotistical Vela may have upset the squad’s rhythm.

In Mexico’s 23-man squad, only eight players are based outside of Mexico, a stat many League of Ireland fans may be envious of, but there is no doubting the quality of the national league, judging by current players like Carlos Pena and Oribe Peralta, as well as players who have gone on to greater things in Europe like Hector Herrera and Javier Hernandez.

The eightplayers based outside of Europe have a combined 380 caps (as of 05.03.2014), so their experience will be vital along with the raw talent of the home based players will be vital in the Mexicans are to stamp their mark in what is a difficult group from the outset.

Two players the Mexicans will be hoping for big things from are 24 year-old pair Hector Herrera, who has completed his first season in Europe with Porto, and home based Leon player Carlos Pena. Pena is a big physically powerful midfielder who will look to impress and possibly pave the way for a move to Europe, whilst Herrera, no relation to the boss, is a more versatile midfield player.

Defensive stalwart and two time Champions League winner with Barcelona Rafa Marquez will be the first player in the history of the World Cup to captain his country in four consecutive tournaments. The 35 year-old has amassed 120 caps and is now settled back in Mexico with Leon.

Mexico will be based in Santos and play their first game on June 13^th  against Cameroon in Natal, before meeting hosts Brazil in Fortaleza on June 17^th and finishing with what could be a qualification decider against the Croats in Recife on June 23^rd.

For a full view of the Mexico squad visit our Mexican team page.

Goalkeepers: Jesus Corona (Cruz Azul), Alfredo Talavera (Toluca), Guillermo Ochoa (Ajaccio)

Defenders: Paul Aguilar, Francisco Rodriguez, Miguel Layun (all America), Rafael Marquez (Leon), Andres Guardado (Bayer Leverkusen), Hector Moreno (Espanyol), Diego Reyes (FC Porto), Carlos Salcido (UANL Tigres)

Midfielders: Hector Herrera (FC Porto), Jose Carlos Vazquez (Leon), Carlos Pena (Leon), Juan Carlos Medina (America), Isaac Brizuela (Toluca), Marco Fabian (Cruz Azul), Javier Aquino (Villareal)..

Forwards: Oribe Peralta (Santos Laguna), Alan Pulido (UANL Tigres), Javier Hernandez (Manchester United), Raul Jimenez (America), Giovani Dos Santos (Villareal).

Extratime.ie will be covering the FIFA World Cup 2014 from the first kick of a ball to the last with reports and news. We will also have regular features from our reporter in Brazil – Macdara Ferris.