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One reason every team at the World Cup can win

By Ty Finch

MOSCOW, RUSSIA DECEMBER 1, 2017: Winner's trophy at the Final Draw for 2018 FIFA World Cup at the State Kremlin Palace. Stanislav Krasilnikov/TASS (Photo by Stanislav Krasilnikov\TASS via Getty Images)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA DECEMBER 1, 2017: Winner's trophy at the Final Draw for 2018 FIFA World Cup at the State Kremlin Palace. Stanislav Krasilnikov/TASS (Photo by Stanislav Krasilnikov\TASS via Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – MARCH 27: Javier Hernandez of Mexico prays during the international friendly match between Mexico and Croatia at AT
ARLINGTON, TX – MARCH 27: Javier Hernandez of Mexico prays during the international friendly match between Mexico and Croatia at AT /

Mexico: Attacking talent

Juan Carlos Osorio is going to have to make some difficult decisions when the time comes to make the 23-man roster final. The most challenging will come from the abundance of attacking talent that Mexico have on their roster.

Even before Osorio picks his first lineup against Germany, he’ll have to make tough calls on more than a few talented attacking midfielders and forwards that will be sitting at home rather than playing in the World Cup. There are a few near-locks for the roster, like Chicharito, Hirving Lozano and Jesus Corona, but there are others certainly deserving of a call that won’t get one.

Giovani dos Santos and Oribe Peralta could make a compelling case for their inclusion, but dos Santos is just beginning his season with the LA Galaxy and hasn’t stood out thus far. Peralta is getting up their in age, and Osorio might favor a more exciting youngster to give his team an extra spark when it’s necessary.

Mexico can terrorize opposing defenses when their attackers are in form and playing well together. They scored in every match in the last round of qualifying, and only lost on the final day when their World Cup berth was already secured.

With all their talent up front, it’s easy to forget that Mexico also have one of the better defenses in CONCACAF, as they surrendered the fewest goals in qualifying. They have World Cup experience at the back in Guillermo Ochoa, Hector Moreno and Miguel Layun, and can kill off a game when necessary.

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