Mexico releases starting XI for World Cup opener; Chicharito benched

Author:
Josh Sanchez
Publish date:
Jun 12, 2014

Mexico manager Miguel Herrera tends not to hold anything back when it comes to announcing his lineups earlier than he has to, and he has made no such change for the World Cup.

A day in advance of El Tri's World Cup opener against Cameroon, Herrera has announced the team's starting XI, via the Mexican federation's official Twitter account, and it features Oribe Perlata and Giovani Dos Santos up front with Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez coming off of the bench. The hope for Herrera is that Chicharito, who endured a trying season at Manchester United, will be able to provide a spark for the El Tri attack when he is brought onto the field with fresh legs.

In goal, Herrera chose Guillermo "Memo" Ochoa over Jose de Jesus Corona and Alfredo Talavera. Ochoa will be protected by the five-man defense of Paul Aguilar, Francisco Rodriguez, captain Rafa Marquez, Hector Moreno, Miguel Layun.

Gallito Vazquez, Hector Herrera and Andres Guardado will hold down the midfield for El Tri.

For Marquez, he will become the first player to captain his team in four World Cups when he takes to the field against the Indomitable Lions.

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