By Jonny Rico
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A new generation of young Mexican footballers looks to carry the torch which was lit four ago for Mexican soccer. Almost four complete years have gone by since that historic 11th day in August of 2012 when Mexico defeated Brazil at Wembley Stadium in London.
Success at youth level has given Mexico a new sense of confidence in big international events. It all started with the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Peru. Mexico defeated Brazil in the final to lift its first World title. In 2011 another generation went on to win a U-17 World Cup trophy. One year later the most important achievement in the history of Mexican soccer was reached in London.
From that foundation El Tri looks to continue to build. Led by manager Raul Gutierrez, the same manager that led Mexico to the second U-17 FIFA World Cup, this team will look to make Mexico back-to-back champions.
It all starts on Thursday August 4 when Mexico take on Germany in the opening match of Group C. The first match will be of great importance for the Mexicans as it can set a positive tone and build the confidence of the squad.
The Mexico and Germany squads of this current generation have already faced off against each other. It was in the semifinal round of the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Mexico had to produce a historic come-from-behind win which included a direct corner kick goal and a bicycle kick goal from a player who had his head split open moments prior. From that semifinal match up between Mexico and Germany only tow players have survived and made the final call up into the Olympic squads, both of them on the Mexican side, striker Marco Bueno and midfielder Arturo Gonzalez.
Manager ‘Potro’ Gutierrez will look to veteran striker Oribe Peralta to lead the team throughout the tournament. Peralta was the veteran player that led Mexico four years ago in London to the Gold Medal, including a brace in the final against Brazil to lead the team to a 2-1 win; and he’ll be looking to produce the magic one more time.
As Brazil look to to win its first ever Olympic Gold Medal in soccer, the press are already signaling Mexico as “the team to beat” despite the powers of their own Brazil, Argentina and Germany.
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