Soccer World Cup

5 Reasons Why Mexico Can Win The 2014 World Cup

5 Reasons Why Mexico Can Win The 2014 World Cup

mexico national soccer team
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

After suffering through a forgetful campaign in the qualifiers, Mexico finally seems to be hitting their stride with Miguel Herrera as their head coach. Though their last five World Cups have ended at the Round of 16, they will be poised to end that streak and advance all the way to the final. With a new generation of players like Carlos Pena, Hector Herrera, Oribe Peralta and Gio dos Santos, Mexico's chances have never been better.

5. No Place To Go But Up

luis montes mexico gold cup
Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

5. No Place To Go But Up

luis montes mexico gold cup
Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

The road to the 2014 FIFA World Cup was one of the lowest points in recent Mexican soccer history. The country had to suffer through three different coaches before finally qualifying thanks solely due to an American win against Panama. The Mexican players know that they have an image to reverse at the World Cup, and their performance will be dedicated to and motivated by the fans who had to suffer through the qualifiers.

4. Olympic Gold Medals

andres guardado luis montes mexico
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

4. Olympic Gold Medals

andres guardado luis montes mexico
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Croatia are considered one of the dark horses of the tournament. Brazil are, well, Brazil. Though these two teams are the favorites to move on from group A, Mexico have always stepped up their game against great teams. The prime example of this was at the London Olympics. Mexico showed they could win big tournaments, beating a talented Brazilian side. Don't forget, 11 of the Olympic Gold Medal winners will be playing in the 2014 World Cup.

3. New Coach

miguel piojo herrera mexico
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

3. New Coach

miguel piojo herrera mexico
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Mexico found a breath of fresh air in head coach Miguel Herrera after Chepo de la Torre's horrific spell as coach. With Herrera taking over the reins, Mexico have gone on an eight-game unbeaten streak against teams like the USA, Ecuador and South Korea, all World Cup teams. His patented 5-3-2 formation and experience in the Mexican league have created a winning culture for the Mexican players, and the desire and motivation to get to the top.

2. Attacking Soccer

mexico usa huddle soccer
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

2. Attacking Soccer

mexico usa huddle soccer
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

On paper, the 5-3-2 formation that coach Miguel Herrera employs seems extremely defensive with the five defenders, but the outside backs attack from behind so much that it practically transforms into a 3-5-2. This high-velocity attack, often guided by the tireless effort of Carlos Peña and the magic of Gio dos Santos, gives Mexico a level of protaganism that is necessary for any team to succeed in the later rounds of the World Cup.

1. Giovanni dos Santos

giovanni dos santos mexico soccer
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

1. Giovanni dos Santos

giovanni dos santos mexico soccer
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

After seasons of being the proverbial journeyman, being transferred from team to team, it looks like Giovanni dos Santos has finally found his place for both club and country. His amazing performances for Mexico are being replicated in Villarreal, and he will be in high spirits for Brazil. His speed, footwork, dribbling and creativity can lead the Aztecs to huge upsets.

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