Javier Aguirre opened a World Cup training camp on Monday for his domestic-based players, describing them as the nation's best young generation.
El Tri's coach said the team should perform well at the tournament. Mexico will have played about a dozen exhibitions before it meets host South Africa in the World Cup opener on June 11.
The 17 players in camp have been drawn from Mexico's Clausura championship, including five players from Chivas Guadalajara, tied for the league lead.
``I think I have the best generation of footballers that Mexico has ever had,'' Aguirre said.
He was referring to a group that formed the core of a team that won the 2005 FIFA Under-17 World Championship.
``We are talking about a good generation with unmatched preparation,'' Aguirre said. ``This team can make history. It is in our hands, and nothing outside stands in our way. There are no excuses. The Mexican team has sufficient time to play good football.''
El Tri is preparing for four exhibitions next month: Ecuador on May 7 in the first professional sports event at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.; Senegal on May 10 at Chicago; Angola on May 13 in Houston; and Chile on May 16 in Mexico City.
Aguirre said all 17 players currently in camp had a chance to make the 23-man roster, due to be announced by June 1. Eleven players with European clubs are expected to be in a camp Mexico opens on May 20 in Germany.
``These guys want to make history, and it's in their hands,'' Aguirre said. ``The sacrifice is tough. The 60 days won't be easy.''
Mexico plays France on June 17 and closes Group A against Uruguay on June 22. El Tri has never gone farther than the World Cup quarterfinals, and that was when Mexico hosted in 1970 and 1986.
Mexican officials they had failed to reach an agreement to play World Cup qualifier Portugal on May 30 in an additional warmup. Mexican officials said the federations disagreed on financial terms.
