Mexico 2 – 1 Congo

Cruz Azul’s Francisco ‘Kikin’ Fonseca scored twice as Mexico edged Congo 2-1, leaving their fans with a taste of victory before flying to Europe.

It looked as though Mexico would take a resounding win to Europe, as they headed into the intermission with a 2-0 lead. Fonseca nailed a header off an Omar Bravo pass in the 3rd minute.

Then the aforementioned Lozano found Fonseca in the 41st for the 2-0 score.

But in the 51st minute Meu Mbokani, showcasing the speed and surprise for which African teams are well known, got loose down the right side and burned the net and quieted the large contingent at Azteca Stadium.

Afterward, the Congo side toughened defensively, showing great physical toughness as they fought for the ball, never giving Mexico any more clear scoring chances.

Cuts

The announcement of the trim down was made Saturday morning by Guillermo Cantu, president of the Selection Committee, who stated the three players were notified Friday night.

Knowing he would be questioned about his son-in-law, Rafael ‘Chquis’ Garcia, head coach, Ricardo La Volpe, refused to make the announcement personally.

“This had to be handled in an institutional manner,” said Cantu.
“It has had a deep effect and pain among the selected players.”

Trip

The team will fly to Europe May 20th where they will prepare for their two final friendlies, against France in Paris May 27th and Holland in Eindhoven June 1st.

From June 2nd on, the team will set up shop in Gottingen.

El Tricolor will debut June 11th against Iran; on June 16th will take on Angola and on the 21st face Portugal.

The final 23

Goalkeepers:

Oswaldo Sánchez, Jesús Corona, Guillermo Ochoa.

Defenders:

Rafael Márquez, Claudio Suárez, Francisco Rodríguez, José Antonio Castro, Mario Méndez, Ricardo Osorio, Carlos Salcido, José Guardado, Gonzalo Pineda.

Midfielders:

Antonio Naelson, Luis Pérez, Pável Pardo, Gerardo Torrado, Rafael García, Ramón Morales.

Strikers:

Guillermo Franco, Jared Borgetti, Francisco Fonseca, José Arellano, Omar Bravo.

For more soccer news from around the globe visit Soccer365