México advances to 2014 World Cup

by Murry Page on 20 Nov 13
mazmessenger.com

 

After a qualifying campaign that could only be described as disastrous, México advanced to next summer’s World Cup after holding off New Zealand in a 4-2 decision Wednesday in Wellington, New Zealand.

Despite once being regarded as the region’s strongest teams, México ended the Hexagonal with a 2-5-3 record. With one game left to play in the Hex, El Tri lost to Costa Rica, but the U.S. scored late in its match against Panama to eliminate La Marea Roja and allow México through.

If México had failed to qualify, it was widely reported that the nation and federation would have lost around $1 billion in sponsorship deals. Going through four coaches in two months, the federation chose Club America manager Miguel Herrera to save the team, and he didn’t disappoint.

There were 10 Club America players on México’s roster but no one stood out quite like Santos Laguna Peralta, who has scored 11 goals in his last eight national team games.

(from Fox Sports)