The Mexican captain is sure that El Tri has the squad to make some damage in the World Cup.

Marquez Believes Mexico Will Go Beyond Group Stages In South Africa

The Mexican captain is sure that El Tri has the squad to make some damage in the World Cup.

Jan 8, 2010 1:21:56 PM

Getting out of the group stages in the World Cup is something not uncommon to Mexico. The World Cup is not won by advancing out of the group stages; it’s the knock rounds that count. This is where El tri has had some problems. That is all in the past and this World Cup should be different, stated Rafael Marquez.

“The group (group A) is accessible. It has a little bit of everything and anything could happen. I think we have a lot of possibilities and it will all depend on us because we still need to get better,” said Marquez in a radio interview with Estadio W.

The FMF has planed a busy 2010 for Mexico. They will come together 60 days before the start of the World Cup, which is great for Marquez.

“We have to take advantage of the time that we have to prepare as a team,” explained Marquez. “We have youth and experience and we need to play against big teams so that we can come together in a better way.”

El Tri can prepare all they want but nothing will prepare them for the pressure they will encounter. Mexico plays in the opening game and with none other than the host country.

“We have to work mentally to get over that (the pressure). We need to do our job and try not to think of the referee,” added Marquez.

“The good thing about it is that the whole world will see it. It’s a chance for us to show what we’ve got. The bad thing though is that it’s against the host, at their home, and with their people. They will give everything to get a good result and that’s what makes it difficult, but I think we can sum up some points.”

Mexico’s second opponent is France. Marquez and his French teammate, Thierry Henry, have already talked about the upcoming encounter.

“There have been jokes between us about our encounter and that it will be a great game. I just hope that both teams can enter that match with a victory,” stated the Barcelona defender.

No matter the team, Marquez feels that El Tri has the skills to take on anyone. The captain however, also recognizes that there is some improvement to be done and once they take care of that then the sky is the limit.

“We have shown it in the football aspect (that they can). We have to maintain that and get better mentally. I think that’s what cost us the most... we can get very far, concluded Marquez.

Sylvestre Adame, Goal.com

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