Mexico will kick off the World Cup when they face the host nation South Africa in the opening match. They are a proud footballing nation that have generally showed up well when playing on the international stage. They have habitually qualified for the World Cup and have occasionally pushed top sides to the brink before just failing to finish the job. They were banned from the 1990 World Cup for fielding overage players during the qualifying rounds of the 1988 Olympic Games.
Despite having talented players and qualifying for the World Cup Finals on 13 occasions, Mexico have only made it as far as the quarter finals on two occasions, 1970 and 1986. Both times they were the host nation. In 1970, they took the lead against Italy during their quarter final tie, only to collapse and lose 4-1. In 1986, they brought West Germany all the way to penalty kicks after drawing 0-0, but lost their nerve, losing 4-1 in the shootout.
In the last World Cup, they were given a favorable draw in the group stages yet made hard work of securing a last 16 berth after beating Iran 3-1 in their opening match. They had a disappointing 0-0 draw with Angola before losing 2-1 to Portugal, but they did enough to progress to a second round date with Argentina. In an entertaining match, they once again gave a fine account of themselves against a top nation before losing to a wonderful goal in extra time by Maxi Rodriguez.
Usually, Mexico have an easy time qualifying from Central America, but for the 2010 World Cup they suffered an unusual amount of defeats which placed them in great jeopardy. Defeats to Honduras and Jamaica in the third stage almost got them eliminated but they eventually advanced to the final stage by virtue of goal difference. Despite losing three games in the final group stage, they advanced in second place behind the USA to take their place in South Africa.
Bearing in mind these qualification troubles, it is hard to tell how Mexico will fare at this World Cup. Rafael Marquez, the Barcelona defender, is by far their most recognized player, though Mexico will also be hoping for goals from controversial striker Cuauhtemoc Blanco. Although their group is a potentially tricky one, containing hosts South Africa as well as France and Uruguay, they will fancy their chances of progression and perhaps this time they can spring a surprise or two.