I was late: here is the first 100% football post. The opportunity is worth: never Latin America had been so represented that during the next World Cup in South Africa. The 2002 record will be matched with seven nations: Mexico, Honduras, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Costa Rica or Uruguay. I will refrain from making an analysis on the issue, but the passion for sport throughout the region, the professionalization of some federations, the free movement of players that allows their departure to the best clubs in the world and the weight of Latin America in international football institutions can explain this record turnout.
Brazil and Argentina will probably be ranked among the favourites of the competition, and rightly so, even if the Maradona’s team went close to disillusion. But other countries have a role to play. First of all, Paraguay, the best selection of the zone in the playoffs for some years. A strong team, with a very European style, but just failed a little creativity at the highest level. Another steady selection that has never confirmed its hope during a World Cup: Mexico. With the return of its coach Javier Aguirre, the “Tri” reigns again over the region. The golden generation, the under-17 years world champion 2005, is arriving at the highest level, symbolized by Giovani Dos Santos and Carlos Vela. With experience in defense (Marquez, Osorio and Salcido) the potential has rarely been more important. The same for Chile, which has found a new generation full of promise. People will probably discover the playmaker Matias Fernandez, the midfield Carlos Carmona or the little phenomenon Alexis Sanchez. Honduras will appear for the second time in the World Cup (the first one was in 1982) and will try to do well. Again, the potential has rarely been stronger, with guys who play in major championships, like David Suazo, Wilson Palacios and Maynor Figueroa.
Finally, just a few words on a phenomenon that would deserve a post in itself: the naturalization of some South American players. The US, Japan, Gulf countries, Spain (Marcos Senna), Portugal (Liedson) … The phenomenon is accelerating. Without really altering the level of Latin American selections so far, because the detection system in these countries is quite effective. When passion is a wall against money …
Barrio latino 