The squad also lacks star European names. Manchester United forward Javier Hernandez, or Chicharito as he is called, is probably the most well-known name. The surprise exclusion of former Arsenal striker Carlos Vela, who had an impressive season with Real Sociedad of Spain, has baffled all.
Others of interest in the squad are former Barca defender Rafael Marquez, Porto
goalkeeper Hector Herrera and another former Catalan Giovani dos Santos, who currently plies his trade with Villareal.
Mexico will find a stiff competitor in Croatia, a side that has always had great individual players but whose ability to gel as a team has always been questioned.
With new coach Niko Kovac at the helm, one can be rest assured Croatia will bring some dogged determination to the pitch. The former Bayer Leverkusen, Hamburg and Bayern Munich defensive midfielder is well known for his steel, his spirit and leadership.
Croatia also has some big names like Luka Modric, Mario Mandzukic and Ivan Rakitic, all of whom have had a brilliant season for their respective European clubs.
Modric starred for Real Madrid in their 'La Decima', 10th European Cup, winning season.
Mandzukic was prolific for a Bayern team that did the domestic double and reached the semifinals of the Champions Legaue, beaten by the eventual champions.
Updated on: May 29, 2014 15:27 IST
