Guardado raring to go again

Since bursting on to the scene as a 19-year-old at Germany 2006, Andres Guardado has gone on to become one of the most recognisable faces of the Mexico team. A thorn in Argentina's side during El Tri's unfortunate Round-of-16 exit four years ago, the Mexican wide man has maintained his high standards, impressing over the last three seasons with Deportivo La Coruna and earning the full confidence of his national coach Javier Aguirre.

Now aiming to impress the world again at South Africa 2010, in an interview, Guardado talks about Mexico's journey to the world finals and their hopes of success there.

Mexico came back from a shaky start in the qualifiers. How much of a part did coach Javier Aguirre play in the side's recovery?

An absolutely essential one. He came in and got rid of the negativity in the national team, especially with the media, and created a nucleus of players that responded really well. That was the key to our qualification and luckily for us we've managed to keep that spirit alive.

What was it that changed in the team?

What he asked from us more than anything else was for each player to apply themselves for the benefit of the side. He said that just because we were Mexico didn't mean to say we were the best in Central America. He brought us back down to Earth and made it very clear that if we lost another game, we'd be out of the World Cup.

Was there a time when you thought Mexico might not make it to South Africa?

Yes, when we lost in Honduras. I think we all had our doubts. We thought there was no way out but Javier gave us a boost, even though we still went out and lost to El Salvador in his first game.

What do you think was the turning point of the campaign?

The game against Costa Rica in San Jose (which Mexico won 3-0). We knew it was a matter of life or death and that we just had to win. That was the only game I started on the bench but I wasn't down at all because Aguirre made it perfectly clear to us what he wanted. That match was also something of a test for me, a test of character. But I'm a dedicated professional and I think Aguirre could see that I responded well to being on the bench. I'm back in the starting XI now.

What do you think of Mexico's group in South Africa?

It's going to be tough. The host nation always tends to do well at the World Cup. Then there's France, who have got players of the calibre of [Yoann] Gourcuff, [Franck] Ribery and William [Gallas]. And even though the Uruguayans never arrive at the finals in good form they are always really tough opponents. What I'm most excited about though, is the Opening Match. The whole world will be watching us and I think any country would love to have that opportunity.

How far do you think this team can go?

I don't like to set limits. There are always lots of surprises in football and though no one probably gives us much chance of getting through to the next round or the quarter-finals, we are confident we can be the revelations of the World Cup.

What do you remember about Germany 2006?

The first thing was getting the surprise phone call. I couldn't believe it when (then coach) Ricardo La Volpe told me because I'd only been a professional for a year. But I guess that's one of the reasons why he's called 'El Loco'. He was mad to take me and then to start me against Argentina, especially when you consider I was just one of the second-string players at the World Cup. He thought I had the necessary skills, though, and he told me exactly what he wanted. All in all, I think I did a pretty good job for him.

Can you see Mexico making the big breakthrough at South Africa 2010?

Yes, because people are getting to know more and more about our football.

Nobody knew much about us before and now I get coaches coming up to me and asking about Mexican league players. My hope is that we can carry on making the same kind of progress at the World Cup. www.fifa.com