Gangnam Style in Mexico City

Mexico coach Gerardo Martino named his final squad for Qatar on Monday with veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and midfielder Andres Guardado heading to their fifth World Cup.

Guardado, 36, who plays for Spain's Real Betis, was one of nine Europe-based players called up by Martino, who hopes to take Mexico to their first World Cup quarter-final in more than three decades.

Ochoa, 37, is the Mexican national team's most capped goalkeeper and won plaudits in the 2014 World Cup for almost single-handedly holding Brazil at bay to help his side earn a 0-0 draw.

As expected, winger Jesus Corona was ruled out due to injury after suffering a broken leg and a torn ankle ligament in training with his club Sevilla.

Veteran striker Javier Hernandez of the Los Angeles Galaxy was left out having played in the last three World Cups.

Mexico, who are in World Cup Group C, will face Poland on November 22, Argentina on November 26 and Saudi Arabia on November 30.

Squad:

Goalkeeper: Rodolfo Cota (Leon), Guillermo Ochoa (America), Alfredo Talavera (Juarez).

Defenders: Kevin Alvarez (Pachuca), Nestor Araujo (America), Gerardo Arteaga (Genk/BEL), Jesus Gallardo (Monterrey), Hector Moreno (Monterrey), Cesar Montes (Monterrey), Jorge Sanchez (Ajax/NED), Johan Vasquez (Cremonese/ITA).

Midfielders: Edson Alvarez (Ajax/NED), Roberto Alvarado (Guadalajara), Uriel Antuna (Cruz Azul), Luis Chavez (Pachuca), Andres Guardado (Betis/ESP), Erick Gutierrez (PSV Eindhoven/NED), Hector Herrera (Houston Dynamo/USA), Orbelin Pineda (AEK Athens/GRE), Carlos Rodriguez (Cruz Azul), Luis Romo (Monterrey).

Forwards: Rogelio Funes Mori (Monterrey), Raul Jimenez (Wolverhampton/ENG), Hirving Lozano (Napoli/ITA), Henry Martin (America), Alexis Vega (Guadalajara).

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Argentina's and Mexico's big and boisterous fan bases were out in force on Friday as one of Latin American football's biggest rivalries spiced up the World Cup ahead of their latest clash.

Thousands of flag-draped supporters of both sides have made the huge journey to Qatar and arguably been the liveliest presence, organising street parties and teaching Spanish-language chants to Arab fans eager to join in.

"They are the craziest and the best! This is exactly what we were waiting for," said Ibrahim Hussain, a Saudi Arabian wearing a Lionel Messi shirt, as he watched Argentines and Mexicans banter good-naturedly on the Qatari capital Doha's sea-front.

Saturday night's Group C match at the Lusail Stadium is, however, a deadly serious matter for both.

Argentina began their World Cup with a shock 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in a disastrous start for Messi's fifth and final attempt to win the one big trophy that has eluded him.

Mexico, eliminated in the last 16 at the previous seven World Cups, scraped a 0-0 draw with Poland in their opener.

So both need a win to get their tournament going and match the enthusiasm of their fans.

ARGENTINE NEMESIS

"Argentina have always trod on us and they look down on us. That has to change. Today is the day to rewrite our history with them," said Guillermo Sanchez, 44, from Mexico City, sporting a wide-brimmed sombrero along with friends.

Argentina are indeed something of a nemesis for Mexico, having beaten them in all three previous World Cup encounters stretching back to a 6-3 win at the inaugural 1930 competition then last-16 victories in 2006 and 2010.

Though fans of both nations have drawn plenty of admiring attention - and endless selfies - in Qatar since the tournament started, the rivalry went too far earlier this week.

Social media videos showed Mexican fans provoking Argentines with insults over top scorer Messi and their Falkands War defeat to Britain. That led to some street brawling that left some fans bleeding and injured, according to the footage and photos.

"It's OK for the Mexicans to have a joke with us, we can take that. But they are not in the same football league as Argentina," laughed Jessica Martinez, a 33-year-old sales assistant travelling with friends from Buenos Aires.

"Remind me, how many World Cups have Mexico won? Oh yes - none! How many have Argentina won? Two for now, but three by the end of this tournament - you watch!"

France's soccer coach will have a subway train station named after him to celebrate his World Cup win and poet Victor Hugo will have to share his memorial slot on Paris's transport map with the team's goalkeeper and captain.

As "Les Bleus" headed home with the World Cup trophy on Monday, the French capital's RATP transport authority said it was renaming six metro subway stations in their honour for the day.

One station, Notre-Dame des Champs, will now be called Notre Didier Deschamps (Our Didier Deschamps), in an hommage to the coach.

Didier Deschamps is one of just three men in the history of the World Cup to take the trophy as team coach after winning it as a player - he helped the team to its first victory in the tournament in 1998.

Victor Hugo station is being renamed Victor Hugo Lloris after captain and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

Bercy station will become "Bercy les Bleus", close to "Merci Les Bleus".

"Les Bleus" are returning on Monday from World Cup host country Russia to celebrate their victory with a parade on the Champs Elysees.

At one end of that avenue another subway stop called "Charles de Gaulle - Etoile" is being renamed "On a 2 Étoiles", replacing the wartime leader with the boast "We have two stars", one for each World Cup win.

With demand for the French team jersey surging, police urged crowds to move away from the entrance of the Nike shop on the Champs Elysees early on Monday.

England, which surprised many by getting as far as the semis, has changed Southgate station on the London Underground to Gareth Southgate Station in honour of the national coach.

Can Croatia cross one final hurdle come Sunday night and become the ninth nation to win the World Cup? Standing in their way are France, whose sole ambition will be to claim that coveted piece of glory for the second time at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium.

As an independent nation, Croatia might not have a rich history as far as their participation in the biggest show on Earth is concerned but since their World Cup debut in 1998, eight years after being liberated from Yugoslavia, it has been a spectacular journey for them.

Coincidentally, it was also the year that France became the seventh nation to win the World Cup, which was on their home soil, by defeating Brazil 3-0 in the final.

More interestingly, it was France who shattered Croatia's dreams by defeating their first 'golden generation' in the semifinal of that tournament 2-1, thanks to two quick blows from Les Bleus defender Lilian Thuram after Croatia's Davor Suker had scored in the 46th minute.

Even in that defeat, Croatia became only the second team after Portugal to have the best finish as debutants. They were placed third following a 2-1 win over Holland in the position deciding game, where Suker scored his sixth goal to win the Golden Boot.

If that was a big statement by an up and coming footballing nation, then the exploits of their next generation, now marshalled by Luka Modric, is no less spectacular as they have reached the finals despite a below-par qualifying campaign.

Croatia launched their campaign in Russia with a 2-0 win against Nigeria before pulling off a magnificent 3-0 win against two-time winners Argentina. They beat Iceland in the last group league game to move into the round of 16 with the maximum number of points.

And in the last three knockout games, where they had to battle it out beyond regulation time, Croatia showed tenacity and the will to fight till the end.

Croatia's round of 16 game against Denmark was a classic example of their never-say-die attitude. After conceding an early goal, they equalised and took the game to extra time, where Modric missed a penalty. However, the Real Madrid midfielder showed courage and stepped up in the shootout to convert his spot kick.

In the quarterfinal against hosts Russia, which they won in the shootout after a 2-2 draw, they faced a similar scenario. This was also the case in the semifinal against England before Mario Mandzukic hit the winner in the 109th minute.

The Juventus forward might not be as prolific as Suker was on the big stage but he has the knack of scoring goals from out of nowhere. Croatia actually have individual winners in Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Ante Rebic and Ivan Perisic, the Inter Milan forward who has been in fine form.

Croatia's last three games might have started slowly but gradually picked up with the progression of the game, which is a hallmark of a good team.

They also showed how athletically fit they are as they had to play for 120 minutes in all three previous games.

Against England at Saint Petersburg, many thought it would be impossible for them to survive if the game went beyond regulation time. Surprisingly though, it was England who slowed down as the game progressed. In addition, when the Turkish referee blew the final whistle, Croatia were heading for another crack at the goal.

France midfielder Paul Pogba previously said that he wants to earn his own star on the shirt on Sunday. However, the world will not be surprised to a see the birth of a new star.

Pessimism surrounds Mexico as they gear up for the World Cup in Qatar after inconsistency in qualifying and warm-up matches.

Despite finishing second in the eight-team CONCACAF qulifiers behind Canada, Gerardo 'Tata' Martino's side drew criticism for the performances, with their toothless attack posing a major concern.

Mexico, who lost the CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup finals against the U.S. last year, have averaged one goal per game in their 15 competitive matches and friendlies in 2022.

'El Tri' fans and a large section of the Mexican soccer media continue to question their Argentinian coach, who is under immense pressure to turn around their fortunes.

But Martino believes the pessimism will only motivate the team to prove the critics wrong.

"If someone is a pessimist, they shouldn't change their opinion if this team does well at the World Cup," Martino said in September.

"Perhaps they'll change their mind briefly. But, yes, the environment around the team is absolutely one of pessimism.

"I tend to believe that will strengthen the group internally. And the way things are going, this pessimism will make us stronger before we play a World Cup."

Mexico's Argentine coach Gerardo Martino reacts during the international friendly football match between Mexico and Colombia at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Gerardo Martino will turn 60 on the opening day of the Qatar 2022 World Cup and arrives as a questioned Mexico coach with the paradox of facing his native Argentina on the group stage. Photo: AFP

Mexico will be looking to end a 36-year wait for a place in the quarter-finals, having reached the last 16 in each of the previous seven editions.

They face a stern test in Group C, where they are paired alongside Argentina, Saudi Arabia and Poland.

INJURY WOES

Injuries are the latest problem threatening Mexico's campaign in Qatar, with a number of key players sidelined.

Martino has said he will make a last-minute decision on the inclusion of Raul Jimenez (groin) and Jesus 'Tecatito' Corona (fractured fibula), while Rogelio Funes Mori, Luis Romo and Jorge Sanchez are recovering and Hector Herrera is a doubt.

With Mexico desperate for goals and short on options, all-time top scorer Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez could have been the one to fill the void but the LA Galaxy forward was left out of their initial 31-man squad despite his good form this season.

Hernandez, who has played at three World Cups, has not earned a place in the squad since 2019.

Winger Hirving Lozano, forward Alexis Vega and versatile midfielder Edson Alvarez will have to step up if Mexico are to spring a surprise at the finals.

Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. Photo: AFP

Lozano key to scoring more

As Mexico head to the World Cup shy of goals and with a squad ravaged by injuries, a great deal of attacking responsibility rests on the shoulders of winger Hirving Lozano.

He sent Mexican fans into a frenzy when his goal helped the team stun holders Germany at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and supporters will be hoping 'Chucky' is at the peak of his powers when they play in Qatar.

While the Napoli winger has started eight out of 15 games for the Serie A side this season and bagged only three goals, he has the pace and skill to unlock the tightest of defences.

Sep 24, 2022; Pasadena, California, USA; Mexico forward Hirving Lozano (22) celebrates his goal scored against Peru during the second half at the Rose Bowl Stadium. Photo: Reuters

Capable of playing on either flank and through the centre, the versatile Lozano will be a much-needed source of firepower for Mexico's frontline, which could be without the injured duo of Raul Jimenez and Jesus 'Tecatito' Corona at the World Cup.

With 16 goals and 11 assists in 59 international appearances, Lozano is a vital cog in Mexico's attack, boasting all the attributes of a classic inverted winger.

The 27-year-old missed some games for Mexico this year with a shoulder injury but will draw confidence from his performance in their 1-0 friendly win over Peru in September when he ended an eight-game drought with a late winner.

Mexico v Panama - Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico - February 2, 2022 Mexico's Raul Jimenez in action. Photo: Reuters

Apart from the goals and creativity Lozano offers, the winger could also be an unexpected leader for coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino's side.

"After so many years in Europe, obviously it makes a footballer evolve in every way," Martino told broadcaster TUDN.

"It's clear that he is evolving, not only in the soccer part but also in the professional part and in the human part."

Lozano will hope for more playing time with Napoli before making the trip to Qatar in order to give Mexico their best chance of getting out of Group C, which also includes Argentina, Poland and Saudi Arabia.

Photo: AFP

Following is a statbox on Mexico at the World Cup.

FIFA ranking: 13 (as of Oct. 6)

Odds: 100-1

Previous tournaments:

Mexico have played in 16 World Cups, including the last seven. Their best performances came in 1970 and 1986, when they reached the quarter-finals.

'El Tri' have made the last 16 each time in the last seven editions.

How they qualified:

Mexico qualified second in the eight-team CONCACAF table. They collected 28 points from 14 matches, finishing behind Canada on goal difference, scoring 17 goals and conceding eight.

Form guide:

Mexico have struggled in attack, having averaged one goal per game in their 15 competitive matches and friendlies in 2022.