Mexico's most famous player, defender Rafael Marquez, is optimistic about his team's chances in the World Cup, and much may depend on the opening game against host South Africa.
The Barcelona player said on Thursday there may be extra pressure because it will be the first game.
"The good part is that everyone is going to see our opening game against South Africa," Marquez said in an interview with Mexico radio station Estadio W. "The bad part is we are playing the host nation in front of its fans. They will do all they can to get a good result. This will make it more difficult, but we can overcome this.
"We'll have to work hard mentally to beat the pressure, do our job and try not to think about the referee."
Mexico plays in Group A, which also has Uruguay and France.
Mexico qualified second behind the United States in the North and Central America and Caribbean region.
One of the world's longtime football playing countries, Mexico has twice reached the World Cup quarterfinals but never gone farther. In recent years its northern neighbor has become the most consistent team in the region.
"In football terms we have shown what we can do," Marquez said. "We have to keep this up and get better. The mental side of the game has often cost us."
El Tri will begin training about two months before the World Cup opens in June. Europe-based players like Marquez will join the team after their seasons end.
