BOSTON - The Mexican National Team prepares its fourth and final World Cup preparation match exactly one week prior to debuting in the World Cup against Cameroon. This was suppose to be the game where the manager Miguel "Piojo" Herrera had just about decided on a starting eleven for the World Cup.

The three starting midfielders against Portugal will be: Jose Juan Vazquez in the central holding midfield position and in front of him Andres Guardado to the left and Hector Herrera to the right. At least two if not all three of these guys will be in the starting on Friday June 13th against Cameroon.

But just weeks ago when the 23-man roster for the World Cup was revealed none of these guys looked likely to be in the starting lineup. The starting sports were occupied by three other players; two of which are no longer with the team.

In the central holding midfield position was Juan Carlos Medina. Medina played that central midfield position to perfection in Miguel Herrera's 5-3-2 formation while at Club America when they won the league championship in the Clausura 2013 season. Unfortunately for Medina he tore ankle ligaments while practicing with the National Team prior to the first preparation match against Israel. Medina required immediate surgery and had to be dropped from the squad. Toluca left back Miguel Ponce took his place.

In front of Median was suppose to be Leon midfielder Luis Montes. Montes had the capabilities to creat dangerous plays for the forwards as well as score goals himself with the powerful shot he carried in his left foot. His assosiation play with the other supposed starter Carlos Peña made his presence even more important. Bad luck struck once again for Mexico as Montes suffered a double fracture in his leg after he harshly slide tackled Ecuador's Segundo Castillo minutes after scoring a fabulous goal. Montes too had to go under the doctor's knive and dropped from the squad. Javier Aquino was called in to take his place.

And finally Carlos Peña was suppose to be the guy to the left of the holding midfielder; and he still can be. But between a long year with Club Leon where he won back-to-back championships as well as endured long travels to South America for Copa Libertadores plus all of the National Team duties; Peña has dropped his form. The Luis Montes injury could also be weighing down on him as he and his club teammate are really close. Out of form Andres Guardado will look to steal the starting spot away in the match against Portugal.

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jonny.rico@sandiegored.com (Follow Jonny Rico on Facebook and Twitter)