Hugo Sanchez finally got his wish.

Sanchez, who lobbied hard for the Mexico national team coaching job after the 2002 World Cup but was passed over for Ricardo La Volpe, was named Mexico's national team coach on Thursday by unanimous consent of Mexico's 18 First Division club presidents.

After losing out to La Volpe, Sanchez was highly critical of the Argentine, resulting in ugly exchanges in the media during La Volpe's four years as Tri boss.

Sanchez, who is one of only two players to have played in both the North American Soccer League and Major League Soccer, is considered the best player in Mexico's history. He played for Mexico in three World Cups and won five Pichichis as the top scorer in Spain's La Liga.

Sanchez coached UNAM, the club at which he began his career, for four years and led Pumas to two titles, but he was fired in November 2005. He coached Necaxa this fall, but it failed to make the Apertura playoffs.

Sanchez was chosen as Tri coach after Argentine Americo Gallego, the other finalist, withdrew his name from consideration.