THE LAST 16 - MEXICO

MEXICO

Advance apologies for the crass stereotype implied by the photo. That said, Mexico will be hoping to enjoy the beach and its treasures later rather than earlier. After taking advantage of a nervous host on day 1, the Mexicans should make it through with 4 pts from their remaining games against France and Uruguay.

Scarred after a bout of Sven-Goran Syndrome, Mexico dispensed of the Swede's services after phase 1 of qualification and promptly resumed normal service with Javier Aguirre. Most Mexican pundits are enthusiastic about the midfield and attack but less so about their defensive capabilities.

Key players include Rafael Marquez (Barca), Gerardo Torrardo (midfielder back in his homeland after 5 yrs in Spain) and Mr Bunnyhop himself, a spritely 37 yr old Cuauhtemoc Blanco. Up front, recent Manchester United signing Javier Hernandez could prove a surprise to those outside of his homeland.

After qualifying for phase 2, Mexico should face either Argentina or Nigeria, so top spot is essential.

Bookmaker Odds 80/1

OVERNIGHT FRIENDLIES

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Argentina	0
Israel	0	Postp

Congo DR	0
North Korea	0	Postp

Liechtenstein	0
Spain	0	Postp

Slovakia	0
Ghana	0	Postp

Slovakia	1
Cameroon	1	FT

Sweden	0
Bolivia	0	Postp

Norway	2
Montenegro	1	FT

Poland	0
Finland	0	FT

United Arab Emirates	3
Moldova	2	FT

New Zealand	1
Serbia	0	FT

Spain	3
Saudi Arabia	2	FT

Azerbaijan	1
Macedonia	3	FT

Sweden	4
Bosnia-Herzegovina	2	FT

Ukraine	3
Romania	2	FT

United States	2
Turkey	1	FT

Iceland	4
Andorra	0	FT

Venezuela	0
Canada	0	23:30 GMT

Hungary	0
Germany	3	FT

Millwall 1 Swindon 0 - oops sorry, nithing friendly 'bout this one...

GP