Now that Mexican national team players are no longer distracted by sex, alcohol and beef, they can now shift 100 percent of their focus to preparations for the 2014 World Cup.
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Unlike others still fumbling with provisional rosters, head coach Miguel Herrera has already named the 23 men he expects to represent Mexico in Brazil. That list took a massive blow following an injury to midfielder Juan Carlos Medina. The 30-year-old suffered an ankle injury that required surgery. American-born defender Miguel Ponce was called in to take his place.
But the question still remains: Who will start in Mexico's World Cup opener on June 13?
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According to Herrera, that question may be answered just one week prior when El Tri visit Foxboro to meet with Portugal in an international friendly (h/t to Kristel Valencia of Futbol MLS). "You will probably see the starting XI that will face Cameroon, 100 percent [of the XI] or 90," he said.
For the Mexican national team, facing Portugal, one of Europe's most promising national teams, at full strength is vital in testing their World Cup mettle.
"Portugal is an important team and them bringing players—starting with Cristiano Ronaldo—is going to fill the stadium. I'm sure it will be raucous. There we will see what we're made of," he added.
"Because facing a team like Portugal, who I think will also have the core of its team, will obviously show us the level we're at."
Medina's absence from the World Cup has altered projected lineups for North America's most-storied national team, but the Sports World News projection for Herrera's XI is as follows (5-3-2): Corona; Layun, Moreno, Marquez, Salcido, Aguilar; Montes, Herrera, Peña; Hernandez, Peralta
Will this XI be enough to lead Mexico past the group stage in the World Cup? Tell us @SportsWN
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