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« on: September 30, 2005, 08:06:19 AM »
looking strong. a bit too strong.
MEXICO CITY, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Mexico, who have already booked a berth at next year's World Cup, called up Argentine-born striker Guillermo Franco on Thursday for their remaining two qualifiers while Cuauhtemoc Blanco was again overlooked.
The possibility of a call-up for Monterrey's Franco had re-ignited a fierce debate over the presence of foreign-born players in the squad.
Coach Ricardo La Volpe, himself an Argentine, has already caused controversy by selecting Brazilian-born forward Antonio Naelson for the squad, although he was left out on this occasion.
Guadalajara striker Adolfo Bautista, who has been unable to win a place in the squad recently, has been one of the most vociferous critics of La Volpe's policy.
Mexico made sure of a top-three finish in the final stage of the CONCACAF qualifying competition by beating Panama 5-0 last month.
They are level with the United States, also qualified, on 19 points from eight games.
The inspiration behind America's 27-match unbeaten run in domestic games, Blanco has not been picked since he pulled out of the Confederations Cup squad in June saying that he needed a holiday.
Blanco reacted angrily when he was left out of the qualifier at home to Costa Rica in August, saying that La Volpe did not have big enough trousers to pick him.
He later apologised for the comment.
Forward Jesus Arellano, who played in the 2002 World Cup, was given a recall by La Volpe, one day after scoring a hat-trick for Monterrey in a 3-1 win at Sinaloa.
A number of regulars, including Barcelona's Rafael Marquez and Bolton Wanderers forward Jared Borgetti, were rested.
Mexico host Guatemala on October 8 and visit Trinidad & Tobago four days later.
Goalkeepers: Oswaldo Sanchez (Guadalajara), Moises Munoz (Morelia)
Defenders: Mario Mendez (Toluca), Francisco Rodriguez (Guadalajara), Carlos Salcido (Guadalajara), Ricardo Osorio (Cruz Azul), Hugo Sanchez Guerrero (UANL), Oscar Rojas (America), Israel Lopez (Toluca)
Midfielders: Juan Pablo Rodriguez (UAG), Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul), Gonzalo Pineda (UNAM), Jaime Lozano (UANL), Luis Ernesto Perez (Monterrey), Carlos Morales (UANL).
Forwards: Jesus Arellano (Monterrey), Rafael Marquez Lugo (Morelia), Alberto Medina (Guadalajara), Francisco Fonseca (Cruz Azul), Guillermo Franco (Monterrey)
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