Mexico announced its final World Cup squad on Sunday, including 40-year-old Ochoa, who currently plays for Cypriot side AEL Limassol.
We use Google Cloud Translation Services. Google requires we provide the following disclaimer relating to use of this service:
This service may contain translations powered by Google. Google disclaims all warranties related to the translations, expressed or implied, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and noninfringement.
Mexico star Guillermo Ochoa is set to become the first goalkeeper to play in six World Cups. Mexico announced their final World Cup squad on Sunday, including the 40-year-old Ochoa. He currently plays for Cypriot side AEL Limassol.
Superstar duo Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Lionel Messi of Argentina are also participating in their sixth World Cup. Under Messi's captaincy, Argentina won their third World Cup in Qatar four years ago.
Ronaldo and Messi are almost certain to be first-choice, but Ochoa's performances in recent years suggest he may not be Mexico's number one goalkeeper. Even if he is in the squad, he is unlikely to play. Ochoa made his World Cup debut in Germany in 2006.
Mexico have announced their squad for the World Cup, which will be played on home soil, including Raul Jimenez, who plays for Fulham in the English Premier League, and Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan. The World Cup is being held in the United States and Canada in June-July, along with Mexico.
Two of the players in the squad, Spanish-born Alvaro Fidalgo and Colombian-born forward Julian Quinonez, have become key players in coach Javier Aguirre's team since becoming Mexican players. Attacking midfielder Gilberto Mora, 17, is in line to become Mexico's youngest player to play in the World Cup.
This is Aguirre's third World Cup as Mexico coach. He previously coached Mexico in the 2002 and 2010 World Cups. Mexico was eliminated in the group stage on both occasions. But Mexico has set its sights on reaching at least the quarterfinals, as it did when it hosted the tournament in 1970 and 1986.
Mexico will open the World Cup against South Africa in Mexico City on June 11. The team will then play South Korea on June 18 and the Czech Republic on June 24.
