Mexico coach Miguel Herrera has customarily released lineup information well before games. He did not alter that trend ahead of Mexico's World Cup opener against Cameroon (Friday, noon ET, ESPN2).
Herrera announced the starting XI for that match on Thursday, preferring the consistency of recent games, though there were a couple of surprises.
Guillermo Ochoa, 28, will make his World Cup debut in goal, after being part of the 2006 and 2010 squads. He beat out 2012 Olympic champion and the incumbent starter for most of World Cup qualifying, Jesús Corona.
With Giovani dos Santos and Oribe Peralta starting up top for El Tri, that leaves Manchester United's Javier "Chicharito" Hernández on the bench for the opener. Hernández also came off the bench for Mexico's opening game of the 2010 World Cup.
Mexico will use a defense anchored by three center backs, with former New York Red Bulls Designated Player Rafa Márquez in the middle, and Héctor Moreno and Francisco Rodríguez flanking him.
Reinforcments to the backline will come from wingbacks Paul Aguilar and Miguel Layún, who will also be expected to play a significant role in Mexico's attack.
The midfield will be largely defense-minded, as José Juan Vázquez will play the holding role in front of the defense, and Hector Herrera and Andrés Guardado will be tasked with responsibilities on both ends of the field.
