Desperate times for El Tri require desperate measures

• by Soccer America , Oct 23, 2013

[MEXICO] Mexico began preparations for the two-game World Cup 2014 playoff series against New Zealand Tuesday when nine available domestic national team players were called into camp at Mexico City's Centro de Alto Rendimiento. They were without 10 players from Club America and its coach, Miguel Herrera, the new national team coach, as it was playing in the Concacaf Champions League, where it suffered a humiliating loss at home to Alajuelense of Costa Rica.

The nine players included veterans Rafael Marquez and Oribe Peralta, whose goal was not enough from Mexico losing to Costa Rica, 2-1, in its final qualifier.

Three players will come into camp on Wednesday and the team will then remain in camp until next Wednesday's friendly against Finland in San Diego.

After the weekend of Nov. 2-3, national team players will remain in "concentración" until after the New Zealand series ends with the return leg Nov. 20.