Juan Carlos Ortega reveals the 'recipe' of the title obtained by the U-17

Besides the athleticism of each player, Ortega utilized cutting edge technology in order to get the most from his players. Alfredo Tena, Guillermo Vazquez, Jose Luis Real, Efrain Flores and Jose Vantolrá, among others, agreed to psychological, nutritional, and medical digital imaging during each practice.

"We have the technical-tactical coordination, the physical preparation. Areas of human development, nutrition, medical and tryouts. All this is interconnected between the areas. The problem is that an individual can't do it all and we must these areas, coupled with the technology we can achieve better performance." said Ortega.

Read More

Player Spotlight: Francisco Flores

Francisco Flores (born January 17, 1994 in Mexico City) is a Mexican footballer who currently plays for the Cruz Azul Reserves, and the Mexico national under-17 football team. He plays as a right wing defender.

Francisco Flores was called up to Raúl Gutiérrez's squad for the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup. He played as a right wing defender throughout the competition and registered an assist for Jorge Espericueta's goal against Congo after sprinting up the right wing and putting a precise center for the midfielder to put it in the net.

He is a member of the World Championship team that defeated Uruguay 2-0 in the 2011 U-17 World Cup in México City.

Read More

Mexico vs Uruguay 2-0 All Goals & Highlights

Many sports writers and bloggers are saying that Mexican football has turned a corner. As evidenced by the Gold Cup and U-17 championships, the expectation to win is constant. This isn't a Golden Generation.....this is the standard.

Read More

Mexico beats beats Uruguay to claim U-17 World Cup

Mexico won the Under-17 World Cup final on Sunday, defeating Uruguay 2-0 with goals from Antonio Briseno in the 31st minute and Giovani Casillas in second-half stoppage time.

The victory thrilled a boisterous crowd of 105,000 at Atzec Stadium in Mexico. Two weeks ago the Mexico senior team won the Gold Cup— the regional championship — defeating the United States 4-2 in the final in California.

Uruguay had its chances with Elbio Alvarez hitting the crossbar, but much like the senior team, Mexico's U-17 squad had a tight defense throughout the match.

Read More

Mexico advances to Under-17 World Cup final on bicycle kick goal in 90th minute against Germany

Mexico is going to the championship match of the Under-17 World Cup, thanks to this sensational goal by Julio Gomez in the 90th minute. Mexico, taking full advantage as host nation, defeated Germany, 3-2, and will face Uruguay in Sunday’s final at Azteca Stadium (6:30 p.m. ET, ESPNU, Galavision, ESPN3.com). Mexico’s goalkeeper is Richard Sanchez, a California native who graduated from the FC Dallas youth academy and signed a homegrown contract with the MLS club early this year.

[All reporting credit goes to The Washington Post and Steven Goff]

Read More

Mexico defeats Germany; Gomez plays the hero in win

Mexico looked dead and buried in their semi-final against Germany, down 2-1 in the 76th minute. But Julio Gomez – who had opened the scoring – inspired a second goal, went off on a stretcher with blood pouring from his head and then scored the winner in the 3-2 classic semi-final that sends El Tri through to the ultimate match at the Estadio Azteca on 10 July. Germany, for their part, will have only the consolation of taking on Brazil in the match for third place.

Read More

U-17 World Cup in Mexico is down to final four (Via YahooSports)

The host nation has the only side, other than Germany, to make it to the semifinals without losing a match. Albeit not quite as impressive as Germany's run through the field, Mexico are a dangerous offense that will challenge the sometimes vulnerable German defense.

Mexico advanced over France 3-2 in the quarters, and were helped out by a defensive error early. If they hope to advance against Germany, Mexico will have to play at the top of their game.

Read More

Both U-17 and U-22 face tough matches on Tuesday

Today Mexico sub-22 is playing in Copa America, yet the sub-17 has a huge game as well. El Tri (U-17) is taking on France in the quarterfinals of the 2011 FIFA Under-17 World Cup. The winner of the France-Mexico match will advance to the semifinals where they will meet either England or Germany.

Mexico vs. France

Time: 7 pm ET, 6 pm local

Venue: Estadio Hidalgo, Pachuca, Mexico

TV: Galavision

Online: ESPN3.com

Commentary on Galavision will be in Spanish while ESPN3 will be in English.

Read More

Full Mexico Under 17 roster listing, by position:

From fmfstateofmind.com


Goalkeepers

Dilan Nicoletti (Newells Old Boys, Agentina)
Richard Sanchez (FC Dallas)
Jose Gonzalez (Pachuca)

Defenders
Francisco Flores (Cruz Azul)
Carlos Guzman (Monarcas Morelia)
Antonio Briseno (Atlas)
Jorge Caballero (Monterrey)
Julio Gomez (Pachuca)
Luis Solorio (Chivas)
Luis Guzman (Atlas)
Felipe Sifuentes (Monterrey)
Jose Pablo Tostado (Chivas)

Midfielders
Kevin Escamilla (Pumas UNAM)
Jorge Espericueta (UANL Tigres)
Alfonso Gonzalez (Atlas)
Enrique Flores (Monterrey)
Giovani Casillas (Chivas)

Forwards
Carlos Fierro (Chivas)
Marco Bueno (Pachuca)
Daniel Hernandez (Atlas)
Marcelo Gracia (Monterrey)

Read More