World Cup: Mexico may get back Carlos Vela for second round
— Striker Carlos Vela, who missed Mexico’s group final with Uruguay with a hamstring injury, practiced with a ball for the first time in more than a week Friday, increasing his chances of playing for Mexico against Argentina in Sunday’s elimination game.
Vela participated in passing drills in small spaces alongside Giovani Dos Santos and Guillermo Franco. Previously he had been limited to light jogging during training.
But with or without Vela, Mexico appears confident about facing the new World Cup favorite, the team that took them out of the tournament four years ago.
Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez, one of eight European club players on the Mexican roster, said this Mexican team is better than the last version.
“We have the confidence to win this game, and we want to go on to the next round because it’s been a long time since Mexico has done that.” he said.
Mexico last appeared in the World Cup quarterfinals in 1986.
Argentina “has the best player in the world, Leo Messi, and that makes them more complete,” Marquez continued. “But we will try to change all that. I have a thorn in my side from four years ago, and hopefully on Sunday we can take it out.”
All shook up
The U.S. run through the World Cup is even getting support from The Great Beyond. In Memphis, Elvis Presley’s mansion will glow a bright red, white and blue in support of the American team. The lights were switched on after the U.S. victory over Algeria and will stay on as long as the team remains alive in the tournament.
