Manchester United’s Javier Hernandez begins Mexico’s World Cup campaign on the bench, while Guillermo Ochoa will start in goal in El Tri’s opener against Cameroon in Natal on Friday.
Mexico manager Miguel Herrera named his starting team on Thursday – in line with his usual practice – and there were no major surprises, with the outfield 10 the same that started the final warmup match against Portugal last Friday.
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Ochoa begins in goal after spending the last two World Cups as a backup ‘keeper, edging out Jesus Corona in what Herrera has described as his toughest decision.
In front, in Herrera’s 5-3-2 formation, Rafa Marquez will lead the team in the libero role, with Hector Moreno on the left of the three center backs and Francisco Rodriguez on the right.
Club America duo Miguel Layun (left) and Paul Aguilar (right) will be the wingbacks, with Herrera stressing their attacking nature in Thursday’s press conference.
Jose Juan Vazquez is charged with shielding the defense in the midfield holding role, with Porto’s Hector Herrera and Andres Guardado in front of him in midfield.
Upfront, Giovani Dos Santos won the battle with Chicharito to play alongside Oribe Peralta, with Herrera indicating the strike partnership struck up a good understanding at the 2012 Olympics.
Mexico XI vs. Cameroon: Ochoa, Rodriguez, Marquez, Moreno, Aguilar, Layun, Vazquez, Herrera, Guardado, Dos Santos, Peralta.