Miguel Layun

Mexico’s Hopes At The 2018 World Cup Hinge On The Success Of These European Clubs

After a disappointing Confederations Cup — and an even worse Gold Cup — the Mexican national team will be hoping for better things next summer. Confederations Cup and Gold Cups mean nothing compared to the glory of the World Cup and all will be forgiven for a forgettable 2017 if El Tri can put forth a stellar performance in Russia. 

A handful of clubs in Europe will have a major impact on the success of El Tri at the 2018 World Cup. 

Twitter Can't Handle Mexico-Portugal Announcer

You likely know by now the outcome of the third-place match between Mexico and Portugal in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup. If you don't, let us catch you up.

After a series of impressive saves (including a penalty) from Man of the Match Guillermo Ochoa, Mexico were just three minutes away from a third place finish. Then Pepe got ahold of a cross from Ricardo Quaresma to send the game into extra time.

El Tri Set Out To Make A Massive Statement At FIFA Confederations Cup

2017 FIFA Confederations Cup Preview: Mexico

History and Background

Since the Confederations Cup began in 1992, Mexico have only missed out on three occasions — making them joint leaders in participation alongside Brazil with seven appearances. They hosted the tournament in 1999 and ended up winning it, beating their arch-rivals the United States in the semifinals and then Brazil in the final. 

32-Man Squad Named For Mexico’s USA WCQ And FIFA Confederations Cup

Juan Carlos Osorio has announced the preliminary 32-player squad, which will later be reduced to 23, that will battle for Mexico throughout June in two crucial World Cup qualifiers, including one against the United States at the Azteca, and the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia.

This group of predominantly foreign-based players will not receive any break following the end of their European club seasons as Mexico will face Croatia in Los Angeles on May 27 and Ireland in New Jersey on June 1 in friendly matches.

Mexico Strengthen Lead In Qualifying With A Bit Of CONCACAF Magic

Mexico took hold of the Hex with a controversial 1-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain. Mexico had opportunities to add to their total, but the Soca Warriors will be aggrieved to have had a first half goal incorrectly chalked off for offside.

Mexico Should Be Decimated By Injuries, But Their Squad Depth Is Unreal

For the United States, injuries to DeAndre Yedlin and Fabian Johnson have severely limited the team’s strength in the wide areas. Meanwhile, Mexico must do without Marco Fabian, Jesus Corona, Giovani dos Santos, Hirving Lozano and Javier Aquino — as well as the continued absence of Paul Aguilar. 

But their squad for upcoming qualifiers against Costa Rica and Trinidad and Tobago in the Hex demonstrates their embarrassment of riches when compared to the rest of the region.

Watch Miguel Layun's Nasty Free Kick Goal For Porto

Miguel Layun is primarily a fullback and defensive midfielder, but that doesn't stop him from ripping off free kicks like this one in Porto's 7-0 victory over CD Nacional de Madeira. 

Juventus Cruise To A 2-0 Victory Against Porto

Porto are nearly unbeatable at home, but not when Alex Telles gets a red card, which he did, earning two yellows in the span of 74 seconds against Juventus Wednesday.

After Telles was sent off in the 27th minute, Porto scrapped and clawed, but in the end the collective talents of Juventus were simply too much for the Portuguese side.

Miguel Layun Ends The Dos-A-Cero Jinx For Mexico

Kick off in Columbus, Ohio was greeted with resounding chants of “Dos a Cero!” from the pro-American crowd. However, the jinx has been resoundingly ended by Miguel Layun, and Mexico are desperately unlucky not to have a couple more.

Mexico Name Strong, Attack-Minded Squad To Break The Dos-A-Cero Jinx

The Hex kicks off on November 11 in Columbus, Ohio with the big one: the United States versus Mexico. El Tri manager Juan Carlos Osorio has announced his squad for that match and their trip to Central America to play Panama four days later.

While Osorio had the luxury of naming largely experimental squads for September’s final fourth round World Cup qualifiers against El Salvador and Honduras, as well as their October friendlies against New Zealand and Panama, the Colombian has named his strongest possible side in an attempt to end the Dos a Cero spell.

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