Mexico announced their preliminary 35-man roster on Wednesday following the required deadline given to each team by CONCACAF.
The announcement was made via the Mexican Football Federation’s website and tweeted out to their followers.
Names on the list:
- Moisès Muñoz
- Luis Michel
- Guillermo Ochoa
- Jonathan Orozco
- Francisco Rodriguez
- Oswaldo Alanìs
- Miguel Angel Herrera
- Diego Reyes
- Hèctor Herrera
- Yasser Corona
- Hèctor Moreno
- Paùl Aguilar
- Hiram Mier
- Miguel Layùn
- Fernando Navarro
- Jonathan Dos Santos
- Antonio Dueñas
- Erick Gutièrrez
- Orbelin Pineda
- Andrès Guardado
- Nestor Calderòn
- Jesus Granados
- Miguel Briseño
- Josè Vàzquez
- Jesùs Corona
- Carlos Silva
- Carlos Vela
- Javier Orozco
- Oribe Peralta
- Giovandi Dos Santos
- Aldo De Nigris
- Javier Hernandez
Miguel Herrera has been very considerate in publicly stating that his roster for the Copa America is just as important as the roster for Gold Cup. However, considering the strong name recognition seen for this Gold Cup squad, it is easy to see how where the focus is.
Name recognition is key here so therefore, the amount of power this team has is not only impressive but increases the expectations for the team to succeed. The upcoming friendlies against Costa Rica on June 27th and Honduras July 1st will also allow for some focus on certain players.
Jonathan Dos Santos going up into the Gold Cup is one of the great moves and a great expectation. The past couple of friendlies have shown him to be a strong and progressive midfielder and a strong challenger like Costa Rica will help him show his strength.
Ochoa is the obvious choice for the starting goalkeeper but with Corona out in Chile for Copa America, the friendlies can also give a chance for Moisès Muñoz and Michel to show their skill.
Andres Guardado will participate in his first tournament as El Tri’s captain and with his championship win with PSV Eindhoven in the Netherland still ringing in his ear, he comes to the tournament with a great attitude and strong talent. Expectations for him are reasonable and should likely be met.
The focus on strong European players will continue with players like Hector Herrera and Diego Reyes (who had a great run during the Champions League tournament with Porto despite their elimination), Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez (who also had an impressive Champions League tournament when he was given the playing time), and Giovani Dos Santos (with his consistent playing at Villareal) and of course Carlos Vela’s natural talent and impressive resume with the Mexican National Soccer Team.
Mexico’s preliminary roster does have an excessive number of players but even when it is cut down will leave the squad with plenty of options in all areas of the field.
The Gold Cup squads first friendly in preparation for the tournament will take place on Saturday, July 27th against Costa Rica.
El Tri will take on Cuba on July 9th in the first round of the 2015 Gold Cup in Chicago.