The bitter memory lingers:
Four years ago Mexico was eliminated from advancing to the Summer Olympics.
Mexico was said to be the best team. But the squad led by Hugo Sánchez couldn't seal the deal. In fact, the loss in Carson's Home Depot Center cost Sánchez his job.
Fast forward to this Friday night, also in Carson. Mexico's U-23 national team will try to do what their predecessor could not, qualify for the Olympics. Their first opponent will be Trinidad and Tobago.
Again, on paper Mexico arrives as the favorite given that all team members play in the nation's premier league, the First Division. They include Marco Fabián from Chivas, Liborio Sánchez from Querétaro, Hiram Mier from Monterrey and Néstor Araujo from Cruz Azul all with impressive records despite their youth.
"The players are very aware, they understand what it means to be here and wear Mexico's shirt, they understand what we're all playing for, they understand that we have to be careful with our image and our prestige," said the coach this time around, Luis Fernando Tena, in a press conference.
The Mexican team expects to win Friday night's match but knows a tougher challenge awaits them with the other two opponents in their group, Honduras and Panama.
"In any CONCACAF qualifying tournament Mexico is the favorite," said the coach, referring to the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Futbol, and what is expected for his team to deliver.
Alexandra.mendoza@sandiegored.com
[sidebar]Olympic Qualifying Tournament
What: Mexico vs. Trinidad and Tobago
When: Friday, 8 p.m.
Where: Home Depot Center, Carson
TV: Telemundo
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