Moments after the final whistle brought down the curtain on Mexico's dramatic Round of 16 defeat by South American superpowers Argentina, Tricolor captain Rafael Marquez was in no mood for pulling punches.
We need to work harder with our youngsters, starting at grassroots level, and make it easier for our players to make the move to Europe, where the real football is played," he said. "That would make a big difference.
Marquez himself crossed the Atlantic at the tender age of 20 to join Monaco in the French league, and seven years later played a key role in FC Barcelonas UEFA Champions League success. The classy centre-back feels strongly that other Mexican stars need to follow in his footsteps.
If only we players were able to make the decisions," he said. "Very few players have dared (to move to Europe), only (Gerardo) Torrado and (Antonio) De Nigris, but they are isolated examples. My club only allowed me to leave because of the massive sums involved, but my case was a one-off. That kind of situation prevents Mexican players from reaching their full potential.
Of the 23 players that made up Mexico's Germany 2006 squad, only three ply their trade at European clubs: Marquez (Barcelona), Jared Borgetti (Bolton Wanderers), and Guillermo Franco (Villarreal). Of the three, the Barça player is the only established name on the old continent, with front men Borgetti and Franco at their clubs for less than a year.
In stark contrast, the Albiceleste side that ended Mexico's FIFA World Cup dream have no fewer than 19 players at top European teams. Marquez, along with a good portion of the Mexican sporting press, believes that this top-level experience proved to be the difference between the two teams in Saturdays game.
Looking to the future
Despite Marquez's comments, it appears that Mexican players do indeed wish to make the transition to the European game. A number of Ricardo La Volpes squad have expressed their willingness to listen to offers from European-based clubs, and will be waiting expectantly by the phone now that their campaign in Germany has ended.
Defender Carlos Salcido was wanted by clubs in both Turkey and England after Mexicos impressive displays at last years FIFA Confederations Cup, and the transfer rumour mill has once again seen him linked with a move to the English Premier League. Nestor de la Torre, vice-president of Salcidos club Chivas, has stayed on in Europe to negotiate with any potential suitors as well as discussing terms with two Spanish clubs for keeper Oswaldo Sanchez.
Other players who have aroused interest in the past are striker Jose Fonseca, reserve keeper Guillermo Ochoa and midfield schemer Zinha. Fonseca, who did his case no harm with a well-taken goal against Portugal in the first round, told FIFAworldcup.com: Its my greatest ambition; I really hope that I get the chance (to play in Europe). Its the logical next step in my career.
New generation leading by example
The future looks bright for Mexico, who are the reigning U-17 world champions. The two biggest stars of that all-conquering side, Giovani dos Santos and Carlos Vela, have already been snapped up by two of the biggest clubs in European football.
Dos Santos and his family headed to Barcelona when the young prodigy was just 15. The outrageously gifted forward is expected to be the next big thing to emerge from Can Barça, the Catalan sides prolific production line of young talent, along with his younger brother Jonathan, two years his junior.
Vela, meanwhile, crowned his adidas Golden shoe-winning performance at the FIFA U-17 World Championship Peru by signing for Arsenal. The gifted goalscorer is currently on loan at Spanish side Celta Vigo, as Arsene Wenger looks to give him valuable experience of the European game. Two other youngsters from that triumphant U-17 side, Efrain Juarez Valdez and Jorge Hernandez, have followed Dos Santos to Barcelona and are currently progressing through the club's youth categories.
Though it is too late to undo the events of Saturdays game in Leipzig, all the signs suggest that Rafael Marquezs wish may be taking shape. Mexico fans will be hoping that the next generation of talented young stars can prove their captain right and propel El Tri to greater heights at South Africa 2010.
