U.S. & Mexico won't have it easy in the final round of 2014 qualifying

Over the last eight years, CONCACAF has largely been a two-horse race between the U.S.and Mexico, with the only question being who the third automatic nation to join them in the World Cup would be. This time, however, every team in the region (except Mexico) had its backs against the wall until its last match to clinch a berth into the six-team final round of qualifying. In the end, the U.S., Jamaica, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama and Honduras prevailed, and the top three from the Hexagonal will advance to the World Cup. The fourth-place finisher gets a playoff against the winner of Oceania qualifying, likely New Zealand, for another spot in Brazil.

Mexico, the clear favorite in the group, Mexico went 6-0 with a plus-13 goal differential in the semifinal phase. Building off of its Olympic gold medal, El Tri have been led by forwards Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez and Oribe Peralta, who have combined for five goals in qualifying thus far. Veteran Andres Guardado complements a midfield of young guns Jesus Zavala, Angel Reyna, Hector Herrera and Jorge Enriquez. Goalkeeper Jose Corona has been a stalwart behind a similarly young defense (save Carlos Salcido). Mexico only allowed two goals in its last six games. In beating Brazil for Olympic gold, they proved to the world (and to themselves) that it is not unthinkable to consider Mexico a contender to win the 2014 World Cup.

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Chicharito Hernandez focuses on win (Via ESPN FC)

Mexican team forward Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez said he is not worried about scoring goals, or the criticism he has received but rather is focused on always helping his team.

"I have never been obsessed with scoring goals, what I always do is try to help and respect others," he told Mexican news agency Notimex prior to Tuesday's game vs. El Salvador (9 p.m. ET). "I am thankful to everyone, I am happy and give thanks to God that I was called up for the team this time."

El Tri is already assured a spot in the final round of qualifying for the CONCACAF region and is perfect in group play with the game vs. El Salvador to go.

"All the matches we play, we face them with the same importance, we never think that we are qualified," Hernandez said, adding that he would not tire and would "keep trying. Without so many mistakes, without so many defeats, without so many negative things that have happened in my life I would not be where I am."

Hernandez scored a goal in Mexico's 5-0 Olympic qualifying rout over Guyana last Friday after Andres Guardado and Oribe Peralta finally got Mexico going with two late goals. The game amounted to an exhibition, with Mexico having already secured a berth into the final round of qualifying and Guyana eliminated.

With the match vs. El Salvador remaining, Mexico is assured a first-place finish in Group B with 15 points. Mexico, the reigning CONCACAF champion, is trying to qualify for a record sixth consecutive World Cup.

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Mexico’s lineup against Guyana in WCQ

Mexico head coach Jose Manuel de la Torre has released his lineup for Friday’s world cup qualification match against Guyana. According to ESPN Deportes' John Sutcliffe, De la Torre will field an offensive team that is looking to bring maximum scoring to the Houston fans in attendance. Mexico will face Guyana at the BBVA Compass stadium, home of Major League Soccer’s Houston Dynamo.

CF Monterrey’s Jonathan Orozco gets to start defending El Tri’s net. Orozco stepped in for AC Ajaccio’s Guillermo Ochoa who could not attend the game. On the bench as back-up keeper is Toluca FC’s Alfredo Talavera.

In center defense De la Torre has gone with Vfb Stuttgart defender Francisco Rodriguez and RCD Espanyol’s Hector Moreno. On the flanks he stationed Jorge Torres-Nilo of Tigres UANL on the left, and Severo Meza of CF Monterrey on the right.

In charge of recovering and defending is El Tri and Cruz Azul veteran Gerardo Torrado. The next line has three players with CF Valencia winger Andres Guardado on the left and Olympic gold medalist Javier Aquino on the right. In the center-midfield position is Toluca’s Antonio Naelson Zinha who returns to the lineup to distribute plays to the strikers.

Up front De la Torre has Oribe Peralta of Club Santos Laguna, also an Olympic gold medalist. Partnering with Peralta is Manchester United’s Javier “chicharito” Hernandez. With the 4-1-3-2 lineup De la Torre is looking to score as many goals as possible.

More on Mexico's lineup in the World Cup Qualifiers at Examiner.com

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Mexico’s Olympic Soccer Team Advances to Gold Medal Match

Mexico's Men Olympic Soccer team defeated Japan 3-1 to advance to their first ever appearance in an Olympic soccer final. Mexico’s well-rounded side, headed by an intimidating offense, proved to be too much for the Japanese side this afternoon in London.

Yuki Otsu helped Japan get on the scoreboard first with a goal in the 12th minute thanks to a powerful shot from the top of the box. Later in the first half, Marco Fabian evened the score by converting on a header from a Mexico corner in the 31st minute.

In the second half, Oribe Peralta capitalized on a defensive error from Japan to net in Mexico’s second goal in the 65th minute. A back and forth fight ensued between the two sides until substitute Javier Cortes secured his team’s victory with a composed finish in stoppage time.

After earning a spot in the final match, Mexico will face Brazil for the Gold medal. For the first time in Olympic history, Mexico has a guaranteed medal in soccer. The popularity of the sport and love for the team makes El Tri’s successful campaign in London quite special for the people of Mexico.

The gold medal match will take place in Wembley Stadium on Saturday, August 11th, at 3:00 pm, where the team will look to make history.

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