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No place for Blanco in Mexico squad [Fri Aug 26th, 2005]
Mexico City (Reuters) - Mexico's volatile striker Cuauhtemoc Blanco was again overlooked when coach Ricardo La Volpe named his squad for next month's World Cup qualifiers against the US and Panama.
The America striker, famous for his fiery temper and distinctive hunch-back style, has not been picked since he pulled out of the squad for the Confederations Cup in June, saying he needed a holiday.
Blanco, who has been in excellent form for his club, later said that he wanted to return but, after being overlooked for last week's match at home to Costa Rica, said that La Volpe did not have big enough trousers to pick him.
The Argentine coach retorted that it would be unfair to force one of his other players to make way for Blanco.
There were no major surprises in the 20-man squad which included Bolton Wanderers striker Jared Borgetti and Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez.
Mexico lead the final stage of the CONCACAF qualifying tournament with 16 points from six games. They face the US on September 3 in Columbus and host Panama at the Azteca stadium four days later.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Oswaldo Sanchez (Guadalajara/Chivas), Moises Munoz (Morelia/Monarcas)
Defenders: Rafael Marquez (Barcelona), Ricardo Osorio (Cruz Azul/Cementeros), Francisco Rodriguez, Carlos Salcido (both Guadalajara/Chivas), Mario Mendez (Toluca/Diablos), Ricardo Osorio (Cruz Azul/Cementeros)
Midfielders: Gonzalo Pineda (UNAM/Pumas), Pavel Pardo, Oscar Rojas (both America/Aguilas), Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul/Cementeros), Ramon Morales (Guadalajara/Chivas), Antonio Naelson (Toluca/Diablos), Luis Perez (Monterrey/Rayados), Gerardo Galindo (UNAM/Pumas)
Forwards: Alberto Medina (Guadalajara/Chivas), Francisco Fonseca (Cruz Azul/Cementeros), Jared Borgetti (Bolton Wanderers), Omar Bravo (Guadalajara/Chivas).
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