Mexico on the big stage early at the world cup

Mexico will be under pressure right from the start of the World Cup, forced to play host South Africa in the opening match of the 32-team tournament.

That could provide a giant boost or a big letdown for the Mexicans.

Mexico's team could have up to 10 European-based players, a large increase on past tournaments when only one or two players were drawn from two of the best leagues in the world - England and Spain.

But besides defender Rafael Marquez, winger Andres Guardado and young forwards Giovani Dos Santos and Carlos Vela, veteran striker Cuauhtemoc Blanco, now 37 and with more than 100 international appearances, made the most difference in qualification.

Coach Javier Aguirre coaxed Blanco out of international retirement to take the pressure off the younger players, and Vela and Dos Santos seemed to improve with Blanco playing.

Unlike Marquez at Barcelona or Vela at Arsenal, Blanco will prepare for the World Cup in the footballing backwater of Veracruz, a second-division club in Mexico. Blanco is there partly as a favor to the club ownership, and because the low-key atmosphere could sharpen his edge for the World Cup.

The former Chicago Fire striker, who is famous for the bunny-hop move he showcased at the 1998 World Cup, will be a key member of the squad if he can maintain his form and fitness. He's slow moving, but clever and seems to know where each pass should go.

The Mexicans have reached two World Cup quarterfinals - in 1970 and 1986 - but both were in tournaments on home soil.

Mexican expectations are always high. In the nation of 100 million people, football is the main sport and the domestic league is ranked the fifth richest in the world. In truth, however, Mexico is a step below favorites like Brazil, Argentina, England, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and Italy.

Mexico got a favorable draw in Group A with France, South Africa and Uruguay. Reaching the final 16 is a good possibility. After South Africa, Mexico plays France on June 17 in Polokwane, and the team's final group match against Uruguay is in Rustenburg on June 22.

"The group is doable. It's got a little bit of everything and anything could happen, but we've got a good chance," Marquez said.

"The bad thing is that we will play against the host on their home pitch and with their fans, where they will be looking for a way of getting a result. That makes it more complicated, but we can get the points."