Mexico’s Rafael Marquez (right) in action against New Zealand’s Chris Wood during their Group A FIFA Confederations Cup match at Fisht Stadium in Sochi on Wednesday.
Moscow: Veteran Mexican defender Rafael Marquez is relishing the opportunity to play for the national side at the ripe age of 38 and the South American star says he is keen to add the Confederations Cup title glory in his impressive resume.
“I am happy to be playing for the national side in such a huge tournament,” Marquez said after his side rallied to beat New Zealand 2-1 at Fisht Stadium in Sochi on Wednesday.
“I’m just so pleased to be playing for my favourite team,” the 140-cap veteran added.
Forward Chris Wood put New Zealand ahead three minutes from the first-half whistle.
Mexico rallied in the second half and equalised through Raul Jimenez in the 54th minute. Oribe Peralta netted the match winning goal in the 72nd minute.
Despite a lacklustre show, Marquez warned his rivals: “But keep in mind we want to win this tournament.”
The CF Atlas skipper added: “We can win, why not? We have a team of good players, everyone is equal. And we deserve to go out on the field and do well.”
Mexico, who are on top of Group A, just need a draw to reach the semi-finals.
However, Mexico will sweat on the fitness of key defender Carlos Salcedo who went down with a dislocated shoulder in Wednesday’s clash.
There’s no word on how bad the injury is but it seems the 23-year-old could be out for the remainder of the tournament.
Marquez, the former Barcelona defender, admitted New Zealand fought well in the Group A encounter.
“New Zealand proved to be stiff opponents. But we managed to get our act together for most part of the match. In the second half we came out with a different attitude,” he said.
When asked about the next opponents - hosts Russia - Marquez praised the home side.
“It is hard to tell what will happen. Playing against them is a difficult situation in itself. It will be a hard battle. Russia has a strong side. They play compact football but we believe in ourselves,” Marquez said.
“We will fight as we do not expect to just get out of the group and win the Confederations Cup,” Marquez said.
“But my players understand their roles. Sometimes they can be hard on themselves as was evident in the first half (against New Zealand).”
When asked about the eight changes to the playing XI against New Zealand, Marquez said Colombian coach Juan Carlos Osorio had things under control.
“The coach knows what to do,” he said with a smile.
In a bizarre scenario in Wednesday’s clash, Osorio was involved in a heated argument with one of New Zealand’s assistant coaches after Salcedo went down with an injury in the first half.
Osorio later apologised for losing his temper during the match.
“I would like to apologise to our fans, the way I spoke to one of their assistant coaches was not OK,” he said after the feisty contest.
“There is no place for disrespect in football and I am sorry. The game was rough, almost violent on occasion, so I lost my temper.”
Osorio said: “New Zealand are a very good team. They are even better in the aerial game. They are very strong physically. They play with a spirit that was seen in the All Blacks side.”
Mexico will take on Russia in Kazan tomorrow.
