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World Cup qualifying: Mexico confident heading into US game [Fri Sep 2nd, 2005]
Mexico City (AP) -- With a World Cup berth virtually assured, Mexico's national team are relaxed for their qualifier against the United States.
Forward Jared Borgetti said he not only wants to win Saturday night's game in Columbus, Ohio, but to do so with flair.
"If we don't attack and play differently, people are going to say, 'Ugh, the team sure played ugly,'" Borgetti told the sports daily Record. "Winning's no fun that way, so we have to play like we always have."
Mexico need only a draw in their final four games to guarantee a trip to Germany next year. They lead the CONCACAF qualifying region with a a 5-0-1 record, followed by the United States at 5-1-0.
The lone US loss came at Mexico City on March 27. The United States haven't lost to Mexico in a World Cup qualifier at home since 1972.
The luxury of an almost certain advance has allowed Mexico coach Ricardo Lavolpe to let his mind wander to the distant future -- a land seldom visited by most national coaches, who mostly dedicate themselves to surviving the next game.
Lavolpe suggested he will take a rest after Saturday's game and Wednesday's home game against Panama. He said that would give his aides, Jorge Campos and Francisco Ramirez, experience needed to succeed him after the 2006 World Cup.
Borgetti, the national team's all-time leading scorer, recently signed a contract with Bolton Wanderers of the English Premier League. He has been playing alongside the rising Francisco Fonseca at forward for Mexico.
Longtime star Cuauhtemoc Blanco has made only sporadic appearances with the national team and has not scored in the World Cup qualifying round.
For the United States, coach Bruce Arena sent five MLS players back to their clubs.
New England midfielder Clint Dempsey and goalkeeper Matt Reis were sent back to the Revolution, who play on Saturday night at Salt Lake City. Chicago midfielder Justin Mapp will be with the Fire for Sunday's game at Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, Dallas defender Greg Vanney heads back to play on Saturday at home against San Jose. And Columbus defender Chad Marshall rejoins the Crew for a road game on Saturday at Chivas USA.
Arena said he might recall some of them for Wednesday's qualifier in Guatemala.
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