Mexico's new coach Miguel Herrera says the country's prestige as a football nation is at stake in next month's World Cup playoff against New Zealand.
And he's named a locally-based squad to prepare for a friendly warm-up against Finland next week.
Herrera says it's unlikely he'll call up any of Mexico's foreign-based players, like Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez and Villarreal's Giovani dos Santos, because they aren't in good form.
The stocky Herrera, nicknamed Piojo - or louse - has named 22 Mexican-based players for a friendly warm-up against Finland next week - including 10 players from his club side, America.
Herrera, who became Mexico's fourth coach in six weeks after their failure to qualify directly for the 2014 Brazil finals, takes his team to face New Zealand over two legs at the Azteca on November 13th, and in Wellington on November the 20th.
Speaking at his official presentation as national team coach, Herrera, known for his motivational powers, says he'd never say no to his national team and he's now the happiest man on the planet to have been chosen.
He says there are lots of America players because there's little time to work and they know perfectly well what he wants on the pitch and this way they can reach the level we need a lot quicker.
Herrera, on loan to the Mexico team until after the playoff, has replaced Victor Vucetich, who lasted two qualifiers after Jose Manuel de la Torre and Luis Fernando Tena both lost the job before him.
Herrera, whose club side America lead the Apertura championship, will remain at the helm for Thursday's CONCACAF Champions League match against Alajuelense of Costa Rica before concentrating on Mexico.
The Mexican Football Federation may choose to retain Herrera for the World Cup finals but there will be a board meeting in December to evaluate his performance and future.
Mexico have qualified for all the World Cup tournaments since 1986 apart from 1990 when they were banned for fielding over-age players in the World Youth Cup.
Squad: Goalkeepers: Jesus Corona (Cruz Azul), Moises Munoz (America)
Defenders: Rafael Marquez (Leon), Juan Carlos Valenzuela, Francisco Rodriguez, Adrian Aldrete, Paul Aguilar, Miguel Layun (all America), Miguel Herrera (Pachuca), Hiram Mier (Monterrey), Rodrigo Salinas (Morelia)
Midfielders: Juan Carlos Medina, Luis Mendoza, Jesus Molina (all America), Lucas Lobos (UANL Tigres), Carlos Pena, Edwin Hernandez, Luis Montes (all Leon)
Forwards: Jesus Escoboza, Oribe Peralta (both Santos Laguna), Raul Jimenez (America), Aldo De Nigris (Guadalajara)
