There is no question about who is the U.S. men's team's most bitter rival: it's gotta be Mexico.
I hate everything about them (and I don't throw that word around loosely): their fans, their disgusting stadium, their players, etc. Still, they are always a quality opponent and some of the United States' best matches have historically been against the Mexicans.
Of course, you need to keep tabs on your enemies and that's why I'd like to pass along Mexico's final 23 which they named today.
Barcelona midfielder Jonathan Dos Santos is one of three players to miss out on Mexico's final 23-man squad for the World Cup finals.
Jonathan was overlooked by coach Javier Aguirre despite playing the full 90 minutes of Mexico's 5-1 friendly win over Gambia on Sunday. Defensive duo Juan Carlos Valenzuela (America) and Adrian Aldrete (Morelia) were the other two players to miss out.
"The Mexican Football Federation is grateful to Jonathan Dos Santos Ramirez for his dedication, discipline, professionalism and commitment shown during the preparations with the national team,'' a statement on the governing body's official website read.
While Jonathan missed out there was better news for his brother, Giovani, who was included after spending last season on loan at Galatasaray under his former Barca boss Frank Rijkaard. Manchester United-bound striker Javier Hernandez was included following his double in the friendly against Gambia in Germany.
Squad: Oscar Perez (Chiapas), Guillermo Ochoa (America), Luis Ernesto Michel (Guadalajara); Rafael Marquez (Barcelona), Ricardo Osorio (Stuttgart), Francisco Rodriguez, Carlos Salcido (both PSV Eindhoven), Hector Moreno (AZ Alkmaar), Paul Aguilar (Pachuca), Efrain Juarez (Pumas UNAM), Jonny Magallon (Guadalajara), Jorge Torres Nilo (Atlas); Andres Guardado (Deportivo La Coruna), Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul), Israel Castro (Pumas UNAM), Giovani dos Santos (Galatasaray, on loan from Tottenham); Pablo Barrera (Pumas UNAM), Adolfo Bautista, Alberto Medina (both Guadalajara), Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Veracruz), Carlos Vela (Arsenal), Javier Hernandez (Manchester United), Guillermo Franco (West Ham).
Mexico is in Group A with host South Africa, France and Uruguay. The Mexicans also have the honor of playing in the opening game against South Africa (next Friday, 10 a.m. EST).
Step right up if you'd like to make a prediction about Group A. I think it's the toughest to figure out. France is the frontrunner but they're young and inexperienced for the most part, not to mention the French have a tendancy to shit the bed on a big stage from time to time. South Africa is not very good but as the host that gives them a big advantage. It almost guarantees they'll get out of the group stage. As for Uruguay, they're the longshot but honestly do you know anything about them cause I sure don't.
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