Aguirre - put faith in central defender (Allsport)
MARQUEZ GIVEN MEXICO CAPTAINCY
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Mexico have named 23-year-old defender Rafael
Marquez as their World Cup captain.
The tournament will be Marquez's first World Cup, but coach Javier Aguirre has
put his faith in the central defender to fill the captaincy role left open by
injured veteran Claudio Suarez.
Marquez is one of the few Mexican players playing abroad, having just
completed his third season with Monaco, and is looking forward to shouldering
the burden.
"It's a big responsibility, and I'm very happy that Aguirre chose me to have
it," he said.
"I will do my best, but it's not an extra pressure for me. There are many
great players in this team, and doing well is everybody's responsibility."
Marquez won half of his 22 international caps during the qualifying campaign,
and knows he is staring up a steep learning curve.
"I will learn playing the matches. I know a World Cup is a different thing:
It can send your career to the top, or to the bottom."
Marquez believes Mexico come into the World Cup with real potential.
"I'm sure we will have a good performance," he said.
"We're a very mature team that's taking this with a lot of professionalism.
"The first stage won't be easy, but we can make the second round."
Mexico's first World Cup game is against Croatia in Niigata on June 3, and
they have also been drawn with Italy and Ecuador in Group G.
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