Berlin - Thirty-two teams have qualified for the 2006 World Cup finals which take place in Germany from June 9 - July 9.
MEXICO
Honours:
World Cup appearances: 12 (1930, 1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1978, 1986, 1994, 1998, 2002)
World Cup best: Quarter-finals (1970, 1986)
Gold Cup champions: 3 (1993, 1996, 1998)
Fifa world ranking: 6
Odds: 40/1
Coach: Ricardo Lavolpe
Was the third choice goalkeeper in Argentina's victorious 1978 World Cup squad but moved to Mexico the following year where he has lived ever since. Lavolpe has revitalised Mexican fortunes since taking over three years ago.
Has courted controversy with his brusque manner and steadfast refusal to give the veteran Cuauhtemoc Blanco a regular place in the starting line-up.
Key player: Rafael Marquez
The first Mexican player to establish himself at a major European side since Hugo Sanchez' glory days with Real Madrid in the 1980s, Marquez has been an integral part of Barcelona's rise to dominance in Spain and Europe.
A talented central defender, Marquez had a forgettable World Cup in 2002, when he was sent off during the defeat to the United States.
Squad:
Goalkeepers:
Oswaldo Sanchez (Guadalajara), José de Jesus Corona (Tecos), Guillermo Ochoa (America)
Defenders:
Jose Antonio Castro (America), Andres Guardado (Atlas), Rafael Marquez (Barcelona/ESP), Mario Mendez (Monterrey), Ricardo Osorio (Cruz Azul), Francisco Javier Rodriguez (Guadalajara), Carlos Salcido (Guadalajara), Claudio Suarez (Chivas/USA)
Midfielders:
Jesus Arellano (Monterrey), Rafael Garcia (Atlas), Ramon Morales (Guadalajara), Antonio Naelson "Zinha" (Toluca), Pavel Pardo (America), Luis Perez (Monterrey), Gonzalo Pineda (Guadalajara), Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul)
Forwards:
Jared Borgetti (Bolton/ENG), Omar Bravo (Guadalajara), Francisco Fonseca (Cruz Azul), Guillermo Franco (Villarreal/ESP)
