Squad list for Guatemala

Acre, Torrado and Cacho will not play agianst Guatemala as they were three of the eight players removed from Mexico´s original squad list of 30 players eligible to play in this Wednesdays friendly in Los Angeles. The other five players removed from the squad are: Castro, Hernandez, Aguilar, Pinto and Hernandez.

Acre´s creativity on the flanks and deadly free-kicks along with Torrado´s amazing coverage will be missed against Guatemala. Interestingly, in a post game interview after the Nigeria game Sanchez commented that he was planning on starting Carlos Vela for the first half then replacing him with Giovani in the second half as punishment for Giovani arriving late, to the team´s concentration camp I assume! Then Vela got injuried and Giovani got the start. I¨m glad Vela didn´t start the game because he hasn´t been playing much for Osasuna and even if he was on fire it´d be hard to pick him over Giovani.

Here are some player thoughts and the roster:

Giovani-Showed flashes of brillance against Nigeria including that penalty. Needs more support in the midfield, someone needs to draw defenders away from him so he doesn´t get marked out of the game like in the first half against Nigeria?

Salcidio-I want to see Salcido initiate more offensive runs and crosses from the midfield, this would take pressure away from Guardado and Giovani. His penalty saved the game against Nigeria. Should he go to the Olympics? I think so, his experience and speed are positives.

Cacho-Saved Mexico from a humiliating defeat. Seems more like a poacher or number 9 attacker. Who will score for Mexico with Cacho gone?

Nery Castillo-Still hoping a hopeless wish that Castillo will play against Guatemala. Would take pressure off Giovani, is a firestarter along with Giovani could play one-touch football and shatter defenses. A shoe-in for the Olympics? Yes! Sanchez seems set on making Castillo Giovani´s attacking partner but have yet to see both of them shine together.

Villaluz-Was subbed into the Nigeria game late. Will Sanchez partner Villaluz with Giovani against Guatemala? If Villaluz can reproduce some of his recent goals with Cruz Azul, like a rocket outside the box that diped under the post, then he´s worth a try.

Guardado-Besides Torrado, the heart of the midfield and of the attack sometimes. With Cacho, Vela and Castillo gone Guardado needs to step up against Guatemala and not let Giovani get drowned out. Will he or Giovani be taking the free-kicks and corners? Either one sounds good!

Porteros
Guillermo Ochoa - América
Alfonso Blanco - Indios Cd. Juárez
Jonathan Orozco - Monterrey

Defensas
Omar Esparza - Guadalajara
Edgar Mejía - Guadalajara
Jonny Magallón - Guadalajara
Julio Domínguez - Cruz Azul
Carlos Salcido - PSV
Héctor Moreno - UNAM
Efraín Velarde - UNAM

Medios
Emmanuel Cerda - Tigres
Pablo Barrera- UNAM
Patricio Araujo - Guadalajara
Gonzalo Pineda - Guadalajara
Andrés Guardado - La Coruña
Edgar Castillo - Santos
Gerardo Rodríguez - Pachuca
Jorge Hernández - Atlas

Delanteros
Giovani Dos Santos - Barcelona
Carlos Vela - Osasuna
Ismael Valadez - Toluca
Omar Arellano - Guadalajara
Cesar Villaluz - Cruz Azul