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Copa Libertadores Wrap: Nacional Asuncion, San Lorenzo both win

Nacional Asuncion and San Lorenzo recorded narrow wins as the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals kicked off on Wednesday.

Gustavo Morinigo´s Nacional Asuncion and San Lorenzo put themselves on track for the semi-finals of South America´s premier club competition with 1-0 victories against Arsenal and Cruzeiro respectively in their opening legs.

Nacional Asuncion had edged Velez Sarsfield en route to the last eight and the Estadio Defensores del Chaco played host to Argentinean opposition yet again on Wednesday.

https://www.youtube.com/…rc2FwMCwPLo

It proved to be a successful night for the Paraguayan giants, who will take a slender lead into the return leg thanks to Derlis Orue´s 36th-minute effort, which ended the team´s run of back-to-back draws.

The 25-year-old midfielder slid the ball through the legs of Arsenal goalkeeper Cristian Campestrini from a tight angle nine minutes before the break.

Arsenal, who are unbeaten in six games at home in the Copa Libertadores, will be without Ivan Marcone for the second leg after the midfielder was sent off deep into injury time.

Meanwhile, San Lorenzo got the better of Brazilian champions Cruzeiro at the Estadio Pedro Bidegain in Argentina.

https://www.youtube.com/…FDHZQf9gRzs

San Lorenzo extended their unbeaten run to seven games in all competitions following Santiago Gentiletti´s second-half header.

The opening 45 minutes failed to produce a goal but the home side´s towering defender was on hand to guide his header past Fabio just after the hour-mark as Cruzeiro slumped to their first defeat in 13 games.

The return legs will be played on May 14.

Copa Argentina Wrap: Caruso, Monzon send Huracan through

A brace from Leandro Caruso and heroics from goalkeeper Gaston Monzon have seen Huracan advance in the Copa Argentina.

Caruso converted from close range in the 90th minute to draw Huracan level at 2-2 with Crucero del Norte on Wednesday, forcing a shootout, and Monzon made the decisive save to see the home side triumph 5-4 on penalties.

The first four spot-kicks went in but after Huracan had their next two penalties saved to trail 3-2, Crucero missed twice, including an inexplicable chip over the bar, allowing the home side to force sudden death through Juan Arraya.

Leonardo Zaragoza and Lucas Villafanez scored with Huracan´s next two efforts and then Monzon saved Franco Cabrera´s spot-kick to secure a berth in the round of 32.

Earlier, Caruso scored his first goal from the spot in the eighth minute after being fouled in the box but a stunning free-kick from Diego Torres saw Crucero draw level before half-time.

A diving header from Claudio Fileppi took the visitors in front on the hour-mark but when Mauro Milano´s free-kick came back off the bar in the final minute, Caruso was on hand to knock home the rebound.

In other Copa Argentina results, Banfield thrashed Aldosivi 3-0 with Cristian Molina scoring a double, while Douglas Haig triumphed 3-0 over Boca Unidos in a shootout after a 1-1 draw.

Colombia Primera A Wrap: Santa Fe shock Atletico Nacional

Santa Fe are on track to stun Atletico Nacional in the Colombia Primera A play-offs after a 1-0 first-leg win on Wednesday.

https://www.youtube.com/…P3OGgmoq0Kc

Omar Perez´s 11th-minute goal gave Santa Fe, who finished fourth in the Apertura first stage, the win at home against the team that finished top.

It leaves Wilson Gutierrez´s Santa Fe well-placed heading into the second leg of the semi-final tie, with Junior and Millonarios playing out a 0-0 draw in the other last-four clash.

Atletico Nacional claimed both titles last year but fell behind to the game´s only goal early at the Estadio El Campin.

Perez netted into the bottom corner from 10 yards after a cutback,and Santa Fe will carry their lead into Sunday´s return leg.

In the other semi-final, visitors Millonarios managed to earn a scoreless draw against Junior at the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melendez.

Ricardo Gareca está "abierto" a una oferta de Racing

BUENOS AIRES -- El entrenador Ricardo Gareca, de último paso por Vélez Sarsfield, admitió el miércoles que está "dispuesto" a escuchar a la dirigencia de Racing Club "ahora que no está Reinaldo Merlo", más allá de que su deseo es dirigir en el exterior.

"Te pueden llegar rumores pero no tuve contacto oficial, desmiento una reunión con Víctor Blanco (ndr:presidente de Racing Club). Ahora que no está Merlo podría tenerlo, estoy abierto a todo, aunque analizo seriamente la posibilidad de irme al exterior. Pero puedo cambiar de parecer", afirmó Gareca en diálogo con `Jogo Bonito` de AM 1070.

"Tengo mucha gente cercana en la familia que es de Racing, tal vez presionen", agregó el DT, que a fin del año pasado dejó Vélez, club con el que ganó cuatro títulos.

Respecto a los distintos clubes que lo contactaron en el último tiempo, Gareca señaló: "Con la U de Chile no se llegó a nada concreto, mientras que con Newell`s tuvimos una charla", concluyó.

El Tigre Gareca, de 56 años, dirigió en San Martín de Tucumán(1995), Talleres de Córdoba (1996-1997, 1988-2000 y 2001),

Independiente (1997), Colón de Santa Fe (2000), Quilmes (2002).

Y a Argentinos Juniors (2003-2004) y Vélez (2009-2013), en Argentina; y América de Cali (2005) y Santa Fe (2006), ambos de Colombia; y Universitario, de Perú (2007-2008).

Gabriel Heinze, "triste y mal" por retirarse, pero "es el final perfecto"

ROSARIO -- En el medio de un terremoto de sensaciones al estar a las puertas de su retiro, el defensor de Newell´s Gabriel Heinze confesó el miércoles que se siente "muy nervioso y triste", pero también remarcó que "es el final perfecto" para su exitosa carrera.

"No la estoy llevando bien. Estoy muy nervioso, mal, triste, porque ahora me cayó el tema de que cada minuto que pasa ya no voy a volver más. Cada pelota que uno toca tiene un significado y dentro de dos semanas se termina todo. Se me vino todo el mundo abajo, pero es una decisión tomada", expresó Heinze al dar su última conferencia de prensa como futbolista profesional.

El marcador central de 36 años, que jugó en el seleccionado argentino y pasó por el Real Madrid y el Manchester United, entre otros clubes, jugará el sábado ante All Boys su último partido oficial en la cancha de Newell´s.

"Estoy pensando que será el último partido en mi casa y me quiero ir ganando. Para mí sería muy lindo e importante. Lo que tengo claro es que me costará meterme en el partido. Espero que mis compañeros me llamen la atención si me ven desconcentrado", pidió con una sonrisa.

Heinze comentó que "si a un futbolista le das a elegir como terminar la carrera, muchos te dirán como la estoy terminando yo".

"Primero -explicó- porque es una decisión mía dejar el fútbol, en un momento donde el club está muy bien. Nunca soñé todas las cosas que viví y hoy estar hablando que seré parte de la historia de Newell´s, es lo mejor que le puede pasar a un futbolista. Para mí es el final perfecto".

Consultado sobre qué valoración le da al torneo local que ganó con Newell´s el año pasado y a la medalla de oro que obtuvo con Argentina en los Juegos Olímpicos de Atenas 2004, prefirió no entrar en comparaciones y le otorgó a cada uno de esos títulos un lugar de importancia.

"Todos los títulos logrados tuvieron en su momento gran importancia, pero no puedo poner en la balanza la medalla con la Selección y el título con Newell´s. Porque era lo que faltaba en fútbol y la conseguimos para Argentina. Y con Newell´s fue lo máximo, una alegría muy grande", refirió, aludiendo a la obtención del torneo Final 2013.

Heinze, quien está realizando el curso de director técnico, deslizó que de alguna formara continuará ligado a Newell´s.

"Yo siempre voy a estar en el club. Posiblemente, por cómo pienso y actúo, capaz que no estaré desde adentro. Igual todavía no sé desde qué lugar podría ayudar a Newell´s. Pero me voy a alejar un tiempo para pensar y saber en qué lo puedo ayudar. Como jugador le brindé toda mi energía", afirmó el entrerriano.

Jorge Almirón espera lograr la permanencia ante Olimpo

MENDOZA -- El DT de Godoy Cruz, Jorge Almirón, expresó el miércoles que esperan "mantener la categorí­a y que este equipo siga creciendo", momentos antes de viajar a Buenos Aires, junto al plantel mendocino, para trasladarse posteriormente a Bahía Blanca, donde el viernes enfrentará a Olimpo, por el Torneo Final.

"Ojalá le podamos regalar el viernes a la gente el hecho de mantenernos en la categoría. El buen momento que estamos viviendo esperamos que lo podamos consolidar en Bahía Blanca", expresó el entrenador, cuyo equipo se ubica tres escalones por encima de la zona del descenso en la tabla de promedios.

En declaraciones a la prensa en la aeroestación `Francisco Gabrielli`, Almirón señaló que "el sábado pasado" vivió "una noche emocionante" en la igualdad 1-1 ante Vélez Sársfield, a pesar de que no pudieron ganar, algo que le dio "mucha bronca".

"Es que la gente acompañó al equipo en todo momento y fue emocionante cómo se puso el estadio. Esperamos mantener la categorí­a y que este equipo siga creciendo", enfatizó el DT del Tomba, que figura tercero en el Torneo Final a solo dos puntos de los líderes Gimnasia de La Plata y River.

"La prioridad es mantener la categorí­a y después se verá para qué está el equipo, pero queremos que sea protagonista en todos los torneos que pueda jugar", explicó Almirón, quien aclaró que tiene "un año y medio de contrato con el club" y que piensa "cumplirlo".

En ese sentido, Almirón indicó: "Espero que se pueda respetar eso, que no haya ninguna duda que me quiero quedar en Godoy Cruz y seguir trabajando como lo venimos haciendo. Estoy muy contento".

Aunque el entrenador del Tomba no confirmó oficialmente el equipo titular que enfrentará el viernes a las 18 a Olimpo en el `Roberto Carminatti` de Bahí­a Blanca, por la 18va. fecha del Torneo Final, en principio repetirí­a la misma formación que viene de igualar ante el equipo de Liniers.

De esta manera, Godoy Cruz, que el jueves en Bahía Blanca realizará una nueva práctica, irí­a con Jorge Carranza; Luis Jerez Silva, Nicolás Sánchez y Leandro Grimi; Lucas Ceballos, Diego Rodrí­guez, José Luis Fernández y Gonzalo Castellani; Gonzalo Dí­az; Facundo Castillón y Mauro Obolo.

La delegación la completan Sebastián Moyano, David Achucarro, Sebastián Olivares, Federico Lértora, Fernando Zuqui, Gonzalo Cabrera, Claudio Aquino, Jonathan Ramis y Julio César Rodríguez.

Pachuca Grab Semifinal Opening Leg Win Over Santos

Both teams came into the series looking for the opening leg advantage. Pachuca, wanted to keep on their inspirational run with a home win at the Estadio Hidalgo. Free-scoring Santos Laguna looked to grab an away advantage at the Estadio Hidalgo.

It would be Pachuca, on the backs of goals by Diego de Buen and Hugo Rodriguez, who would grab the advantage on the opening leg, defeating Santos Laguna 2-0. Unlike their resounding 4-2 win at the Olimpico Universitario, Los Tuzos would get their goals from set pieces. Diego de Buen opened the scoring in the 43rd minute off of a free kick, in which the Pachuca midfielder dribbled a free kick from outside the 18, past the Santos Laguna wall, and past a surprised Oswaldo Sanchez to take the 1-0 lead. Hugo Rodriguez doubled the home side´s lead in the 66th minute off of a corner kick that Santos Laguna fail to control inside the six-yard box.

Santos had only a few good opportunities on goal in a game that was largely dominated by Pachuca´s possession. Oribe Peralta had a couple opportunities, including a first time opportunity in the 20th minute in which his shot rang the post, and an opportunity late in the second half in which he was released on a well-worked through-ball from the midfield. Unfortunately, on that opportunity, the assistant referee flagged the Mexico international for being offside at the time the pass was played.

If there is something Santos Laguna could take home from its match, it would be that they managed to prevent Enner Valencia from having a major influence in the match. But in Saturday´s return leg, scheduled to take place at the Estadio Corona at 9 PM ET, Santos Laguna will need to avenge that 2-0 deficit (as well as continue to stop Enner Valencia). For Pachuca, it appears

--MAN OF THE MATCH--

Given the lack of flow throughout the match, it was hard to give a "Man of the Match." But Diego De Buen´s work in the holding midfield to prevent Santos Laguna from building up their attacks, as well as create chances for Pachuca, could not be ignored. De Buen also happened to be rewarded with a beautiful free kick goal near the end of the first half that gave Los Tuzos the lead--and their advantage heading into the return leg.

--FOOL OF THE MATCH--

Center backs Rafael Figueroa and Oswaldo Pantoja both get Fool of the Match honors for their inability to control a 66th minute Santos Laguna corner kick. Without their poor communication on that play, Hugo Rodriguez may not have been able to double Pachuca´s lead, and made Santos Laguna´s work in the return leg t return to the CONCACAF Champions League (and Liguilla MX final) harder than it otherwise might have been. Both center backs´ mistake took away from an otherwise good day in which they managed to close off the space afforded to Enner Valencia to attack.

https://www.youtube.com/…U0nFOP3Gvpg

Leon vs Toluca: The Devil Visits the Champion

Toluca visits Leon in the first leg of the LIGA Bancomer MX Clausura 2014 semifinals. The match-up will pit the CONCACAF Champions League (CCL) runners-up against the reigning Mexican league champions. The game will be played on Thursday, May 8th at 9:00pm EST and it will be televised on Telemundo in the USA.

Toluca have to be considered the favorites to take the Clausura 2014 trophy but they won´t have an easy time with Leon in the semifinals. Leon are coming off eliminating the only other tournament favorite, Cruz Azul. It was Cruz Azul and Toluca that completely dominated the league from start to finish and now that the "Blue Machine" is out, Toluca is the only fair candidate left.

Toluca manager Jose Saturnino Cardoza - a club legend as a player - has the team in its second consecutive semifinal after taking over the reigns two seasons ago. Cardozo, who won multiple Golden Boots and league championships with the Diablos Rojos, is looking to win his first with the club as a manager. He already led them to one domestic semifinal and one CCL final.

In their league meeting Toluca defeated Leon 2-1 in Week 11 in rout to a second place finish in the league table. Mauricio Mendoza had given Leon the 0-1 lead relatively early in the match, but Gabriel Velasco tied the game before halftime and Oscar Rojas found a game winner in the second half.

Toluca had to go up against the Tijuana Xolos in the quarterfinals stage, where they managed a 0-0 draw away from home in the first leg and a strong 3-1 win at home in the second leg. Toluca were the best home side in all of the Clausura 2014 season and will probably go for a similar game plan against Leon.

PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR:

Toluca are stacked with a number of quality players but these selected few will be hungry to impress.

Miguel Ponce: The Olympic Gold Medal winning left-back is right on the edge of making the final 23-man roster to the World Cup or staying home. He has a maximum of four matches left to convince Herrera that he is a worthy back-up to Miguel Layun. His long distance goal which gave Toluca the lead over Tijuana last Sunday will have the youngster full of confidence and hope of making that list.

Isaac Brizuela: Brizuela has his spot on the Mexican National Team roster a little more secure than Ponce but he still needs strong performances in the Mexican playoffs to fully lock down that ticket to Brazil and win himself a spot in the starting lineup. He has the capability to dazzle the fans at anytime with his dribbling and passing abilities. He is also cool in front of goal and can find a way to get on the score-sheet.

Pablo Velazquez: The Apertura 2013 Golden Boot winner was out-shadowed this season by Pachuca´s Enner Valencia. And after not making the starting lineup against the Xolos on the second leg of the quarterfinals, the Paraguayan striker will be out for blood. Count on this player getting at least one goal in the 180 minute series.

Predicting Mexico´s World Cup Squad - In or Out?

Miguel Herrera will be announcing his World Cup squad on Friday. While some national managers have opted to name a preliminary thirty-man squad, Herrera says he will just name the twenty three who will be on the plane. Who’s certain of their place, who can start packing their bags, and who can stay in bed? Soccerly investigates…

GOALKEEPERS

On the plane: Jesus Corona (Cruz Azul), Guillermo Ochoa (Ajaccio)

Comfortably the two best Mexican goalkeepers, Corona and Ochoa have been involved in a season-long battle to claim El Tri’s number one shirt.

Ochoa has already been to two World Cups. He travelled as Oswaldo Sanchez’s backup in 2006 at the age of twenty one, but suffered heartache in 2010 when he was controversially dropped to the bench in favor of thirty seven year old Oscar Perez. Corona was also in the 2006 squad, but was dropped in 2010 in favor of Chivas’ Luis Michel.

They are both certain of their place in their squad, but it remains to be seen who will get the nod in opener against Cameroon.

In the departure lounge: Alfredo Talavera (Toluca), Moises Muñoz (America)

Talavera has had a great six months for Toluca. Standing behind the meanest defense in the league, he conceded just fourteen goals in the regular season and helped take the side to within a whisker of Champions League victory. He made his international debut in March 2011 and has gone on to make thirteen appearances for El Tri, including six appearances in Mexico’s 2011 Gold Cup triumph.

Muñoz was Herrera’s goalkeeper at America and featured in El Tri’s vital playoff win against New Zealand last year. He has not managed to hit the heights of 2013 so far this year, though he’s not been helped by America’s inconsistent performances throughout the Clausura.

Only one of the two can go Brazil. Talavera is arguably the more in-from, but Herrera knows Moises well and that might be enough to see him given a plane ticket.

Lost their passport: Jonathan Orozco (Monterrey)

Orozco is the only other goalkeeper with a slim chance of making the squad, but since his last call up against Panama he hasn´t performed well enough level to warrant his inclusion. He looks a shadow of the player that helped guide Monterrey to three successive Champions League titles.

DEFENDERS

On the plane: Rafa Marquez (c) (Leon), Hector Moreno (Espanyol), Miguel Layun (America), Paul Aguilar (America), Diego Reyes (Porto)

Influential veteran Rafa Marquez has his detractors, but after being restored to the captaincy last year he has been vital in adding some much needed authority and organisation to the back line. Hector Moreno has proved himself to be a consistent performer and is a shoo-in to the left of Marquez in the back three. Aguilar is another certainty at right wing-back and Diego Reyes will slot in between him and Marquez at right center-back.

Layun has long been Herrera’s preferred left wing-back, and although a drop in form has seen his place come under scrutiny from Miguel Ponce, his versatility to be able to play on both flanks assures him of his place in the twenty three.

In the departure lounge: Rogelio Chavez (Cruz Azul), Enrique Perez (Atlas), Miguel Ponce (Toluca), Rodolfo Pizarro (Pachuca), Hugo Ayala (Tigres), Andres Guardado (Bayer Leverkusen), Juan Valenzuela (America), Francisco Rodriguez (America)

Aguilar’s back-up at right wing-back will be either Rogelio Chavez or twenty year old Rodolfo Pizarro. Chavez failed to impress in Mexico’s recent friendly against the United States, and Pizarro’s great season at Pachuca combined with his familiarity with the wing-back role might be enough to convince Herrera that the youngster should be taken along for the experience.

The back-up left wing-back will probably be either Andreas Guardado or Miguel Ponce, though Guardado could also be taken as a defensive-minded midfielder. Ponce has seen a resurgence in form since leaving Chivas in December, and with Guardado struggling for regular minutes at Bayer Leverkusen and Torres Nilo’s fall from favor the Toluca man is the favorite to travel.

Given Herrera’s preferred 5-3-2 formation it remains to be seen whether he takes a fifth center back. The leading candidates to be the back-up center back are Atlas’ Enrique Perez, America’s Francisco Rodriguez Tigres’ Hugo Ayala and America’s Juan Valenzuela.

Herrera and Rodriguez know each other well from their days together at America, and although he has lost his pace and can be prone to occasional errors he possesses a height and physicality that Reyes doesn´t.

Valenzuela is well-known by Herrera but is not well-regarded by fans and has started to develop a reputation as someone who can crumble under pressure. Perez has the versatility to play at right back and center back and was reportedly in the running to start ahead of Diego Reyes against South Korea.

Ayala has decent international experience and was part of Tigres team that went on a run of eight clean sheets in ten games – furthering his cause by turning in an impressive goal-scoring performance against Atlas on the final day of the season.

Herrera has a difficult decision to make.

Lost their passport: Hiram Mier (Monterrey), Efrain Juarez (Monterrey), Jorge Torres Nilo (Tigres)

Mier has suffered from injury problems and will miss out due to a lack of match fitness. Efrain Juarez has not enjoyed the best of seasons with Monterrey and has made just ten appearances, while Torres Nilo has slipped behind both Ponce and Guardado at left back.

MIDFIELDERS

On the plane: Carlos Peña (Leon), Luis Montes (Leon), Hector Herrera (Porto), Juan Medina (America), Isaac Brizuela (Toluca), Marco Fabian (Cruz Azul)

Peña has long been considered one of the few names guaranteed his place on the pitch in Natal. While this probably still remains valid, his place is now under threat in a way that was unimaginable just two months ago. His form has tailed off since scoring three goals in the opening two games of the season, and teammate Luis Montes could yet be given the nod ahead of him in the starting eleven.

Marco Fabian has enjoyed a fantastic season on loan at Cruz Azul and has catapulted himself into a seat on the plane. He may not be a starter in Brazil, but his strength and goal-scoring ability frightens defenders and make him a great option to come off the bench if Mexico need to score.

Another youngster who has had an excellent season is Toluca’s starlet Isaac Brizuela. The twenty three year old combined well with Pulido against South Korea and his tricky skills combined with his low center of gravity will make him a nuisance to any defense in Brazil.

Medina wasn´t great against Nigeria, but is trusted by Herrera and is a certainty to travel. Hector Herrera has the versatility to play as a holding midfielder or on the right of a midfield three and will compete with Montes and Pena for a starting berth.

In the departure lounge: Javier Aquino (Villarreal), Jose Vazquez (Leon), Jesus Zavala (Monterrey), Carlos Salcido (Tigres)

If Salcido gets an unlikely call up there will only be one place for either Aquino, Vazquez or Zavala. Aquino is one of the European band of players who are so difficult to analyse. For so long they seemed to have a golden ticket to El Tri squads, but Herrera has stamped his authority and now none of them can be certain of their place.

Zavala played in the recent 2-2 friendly draw with the USA and was widely regarded as having a poor game. The United States’ star performer, Michael Bradley, dominated him in the first half, and it was no surprise that Mexico looked a more complete unit once he left the pitch.

Vazquez has the benefit of playing for Leon. With more emphasis being placed on transposing club methodologies and styles into international football (think Barcelona and Spain, Liverpool and England) the fact that he plays week in, week out with squad-certainties Montes and Peña means he probably holds the advantage over his rivals.

Lost their passport: Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul), Fernando Arce (Tijuana), Alonso Escoboza (Santos), Jonathan Dos Santos (Barcelona), Antonio Naelson (Toluca), Rodrigo Salinas (Morelia)

The experienced trio of Salcido, Torrado and Arce have 312 caps between them, but none of them have received a call up since October’s World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica. Salcido could earn a late reprieve – his ability to play in a number of defensive and midfield roles coupled with a massive amount of tournament experience means he could offer a guiding hand to the younger squad members and World Cup debutantes.

Jonathan Dos Santos has just returned from a six-month injury layoff and is unlikely to be risked, while Naelson has almost sixty international caps and has enjoyed something of an Indian Summer this season for Toluca, but he hasn´t done enough to unexpectedly make the cut.

Salinas had an outside chance of making the cut, but a rash sending off against Puebla on the final day of the season as his side’s Liguilla chances were slipping away showed that he might not be able to handle the high-pressure environment of a World Cup.

FORWARDS

On the plane: Javier Hernandez (Man Utd), Oribe Peralta (Santos), Alan Pulido (Tigres)

Hernandez has endured a dismal eighteen months for Manchester United and has looked well short of both match fitness and confidence. His abject first half performance against Nigeria did nothing to re-endear him to the fans, but with 35 international goals to his name it remains unthinkable that the man who is joint-third in Mexico’s list of all-time leading scorers won’t make the squad.

Oribe Peralta has replaced Hernandez as Mexico’s golden boy. The 30 year old missed out on the 2006 and 2010 World Cup squads, but was an Olympic gold medalist in 2012 and has been a fixture in the national side since. He has sixteen goals in thirty starts so far.

Alan Pulido has made a late surge into the reckoning, and after comments by national team director Hector Gonzalez Inarritu he seems certain of his place among the twenty three. After only becoming a regular in the Tigres starting eleven in the 2013 Apertura, he finished both the Apertura and Clausura as his team’s top scorer. Having recently helped his team lift the Copa MX trophy and with a hat-trick on his international debut against South Korea he is evidently well-regarded by Herrera. A good World Cup could see lucrative offers Europe heading his way.

In the departure lounge: Raul Jimenez (America), Giovanni Dos Santos (Villareal)

Jimenez was considered a certainty around the turn of the year, but Alan Pulido’s fantastic performances have seen him drop back in the pecking order. He announced himself on the international scene with a world-class overhead kick against Panama last autumn, and issued a timely reminder of his talents with a hat-trick against Santos in the Liguilla quarter-finals last week. Herrera knows him well and it would be a surprise if he was left behind.

Herrera might only name four strikers, but even then Dos Santos could still be taken as a midfielder. He is popular among fans and, arguably more importantly, he is also popular among sponsors. He’s enjoyed a good season in Spain, though an injury has kept him on the side-lines for the last few weeks. While his doubters argue that he won’t easily fit into Herrera’s 5-3-2 system, it is still highly improbable that El Tri won’t take for of their most recognizable stars.

Lost their passport: Aldo de Nigris (Chivas), Carlos Vela (Real Sociedad)

Aldo de Nigris made the squad against South Korea in January, but the continued rise of Pulido and Jimenez means a place in the twenty three has slipped from his grasp. He’s not been aided by yet another average season for Chivas, for whom he scored only three goals all season.

The less said about Carlos Vela the better - though if he had declared himself available we might not have seen the emergence of Pulido into a serious El Tri contender. No one is sure why Vela refuses to play - maybe he is the only player on the entire list who genuinely has lost his passport.