JOHANNESBURG — Mexico forward Cuauhtemoc Blanco, the oldest field player at the World Cup, still has the ability to add a spark of genius when he is in the game.
At 37, Blanco no longer has the speed he once used to leave defenders behind. He’s packed on some weight. Nevertheless, he will try to help his country get past the quarterfinals, the farthest the team has reached at a World Cup.
Blanco wrote to his fans on his website that “I’m going for you” and that all the hard work Mexico has put in before the tournament will be reflected today in the opening match against South Africa at Soccer City. The game starts at 8 a.m. MDT and will be televised by ESPN as well as KCEC-50.
There are only four players older than Blanco at the World Cup, all goalkeepers.
The forward will be playing in his third World Cup after being part of the 1998 and 2002 tournaments.
In a friendly against Italy last week, Blanco’s 30-yard cross found Alberto Medina, who scored in Mexico’s 2-1 victory.
“On the pitch, we are 11 against 11 and we are going to win,” he said. “We are only thinking of that.”
Corner kicks.
Argentina’s team doctor said all 23 players in coach Diego Maradona’s squad are in “optimal” physical condition, refuting rumors that Lionel Messi and some others are struggling with injuries.
• Switzerland captain Alex Frei is undergoing treatment for an ankle injury, and it’s unclear whether he’ll recover in time for next week’s match against Spain.
