Players to know part I: A who's who of the Mexican talent

1) Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez: This 21-year-old has risen quicker than a horny teenager's member at the Playboy mansion. Two years ago, he was playing local talent in Texas, contemplating whether to call it a career. A year ago he was a reserve member of Chivas de Guadalajara, trying to scratch his way onto the main squad. Now, he is a member of Manchester United (becoming the first Mexican who will ever play at the storied club), a scoring champion in Mexico (even though he missed 6 games), and Mexico's next great hope. "Chicharito" (Spanish for little pea) little scored four goals in his first four national team call-ups and has all but locked-up the starting spot against South Africa on June 11th. He is a skilled scorer with either foot, but more impressively, is a tremendous finisher with his head. Standing at only 5-foot-10, this little pea has hops like no other. Look for him to make many Man U supporters salivate at his skills this summer.

2) Giovanni Dos Santos: After yet another failed stint in England, this time at Tottenham, this 21-year-old seems to have found his groove in Turkey. Loaned out to Galatasaray in January, Dos Santos finally found playing time and made the most of it. He goes into South Africa as a lock to start at the right mid spot, having dominated at that position in qualifying. His speed and ball control have made him the target of important clubs like Barcelona and Tottenham since he was 17, when he won the Under-17 World Cup with Mexico. For "El Tri," he will be the main counter-attacker, turning a ball lost in Mexico's sector, into a fast-break on the other end. His left footed shot is a rocket, although not one with the greatest aim. Dos Santos won't be the focus of the offense, but without his input, the offense will be stagnant.

3) Cuauhtemoc Blanco: He's old. He's fat. He has a hunchback. He can't run. He doesn't play defense. He's temperamental. Basically, he has no business being a soccer player, let alone a World Cup starter. Yet, beyond any explanation, he continues to be one of Mexico's top players. Blanco has a field vision to rival that of any player in the world. Although his physical qualities may be non-existant, his technical qualities are off the charts. He's the Steve Nash of soccer, able to put place a pass with pin-point accuracy. Commentators in Mexico are still in disbelief at Mexico's reliance on Blanco, but the truth is that he is irreplaceable. There is no one in Mexico who can create as many quality scoring opportunities as him. Don't believe me, just ask the Chicago Fire. He doesn't have the stamina to finish all 90 minutes, but the 60 or so minutes he will be out there, he will wreak havoc for the opponent's defense.

4) Guillermo "Memo" Ochoa: A backup on Mexico's squad in 2006, this was supposed to be his year. That is until he forgot how to stop shots. The Club America standout no longer has a chokehold on the keeper position. In fact, he might be the one in a chokehold. A sub par season with his club, in addition to a shaky performance against North Korea in a friendly where he gave up an easy goal, have put Memo in limbo. He is now fighting it out with Luis Ernesto Michel of Chivas and 37-year-old Conejo Perez for the coveted spots. It's anyone's guess who head coach Javier Aguirre will pick. There is no denying Ochoa is the most gifted of the three, but his cold spell could not have come at a worse time.

5) Andres Guardado- Lost in the shuffle of promising young players like Dos Santos and Carlos Vela is 23-year-old Andres Guardado. This Club Atlas product has been a starter in Spain at Deportivo La Coruna for the past two years. This skilled lefty has already proven his mettle in one of the top leagues in the world, yet still doesn't get the acclaim of other less established players. Guardado has blazing speed and will constantly be attacking on the left side. With his skill when it comes to controlling the ball, Guardado a lot of the offense will start through him. He may not make a dent towards the Golden Boot, but without him, Mexico has no shot at taking down the big boys.