Friday, 13th June, 2014
Mexico skipper Rafael Marquez believes his side can create history by reaching the final of the World Cup, ahead of their opener against Cameroon tonight.
The Aztecs are in Group A along with Cameroon, Croatia and hosts Brazil.
And Marquez, who admitted Mexico are in a tough group, however, feels his side can end a near three-decade absence from the quarter-finals and go on to challenge for the crown.
"This is a window for all of us, for many of the players it's a huge opportunity to raise their level and for others to see us play," the defender explained to FIFA’s official site.
"You don't get many chances to do that. That's what I always tell the lads. Our group is strong and in our minds we believe we can make it all the way to the finals and make history."
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Marquez, who will be up against Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o, is aware of the threats posed by the striker, having played together at Barcelona.
"It will be special because he's a good friend of mine. We were team-mates at Barcelona,” he added.
“Now we're opponents and I'll have to be on top of him because he's one of the pillars of their team.”
The 35-year-old then went on to underline the importance of Mexico bagging the full three points against the African nation in their World Cup opener at the Estadio das Dunas.
"It's crucial we start well, take the three points and build momentum for the big challenges that lie ahead."
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