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Mexico's national soccer team coach, Juan Carlos Osorio of Colombia, has announced the squad's preliminary list of 40 players who will play the Copa America this summer in the United States, ESPN reported Tuesday.
Osorio did not announce any surprises among his initial list, but Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, Carlos Vela, Guillermo Ochoa, Rafa Marquez and Giovani dos Santos are some of the European players that have been included.
"From among these players, the squad that will play Copa America will be chosen."
On May 20, the Colombian coach will announce the final 23 players who will actually travel to the U.S.
Chicharito has had a great season with Bayer Leverkusen after various seasons during which he was unappreciated by both Manchester United and Real Madrid, who opted for having the Mexican striker warm the bench.
Since last summer, Chicharito has scored 26 goals in all competitions for Leverkusen, who has much to thank Hernandez for, since they have jumped to third place in the Bundesliga German soccer league.
In the case of veteran defender Rafa Marquez, his place was in doubt because he has had, according to ESPN, “a less-than-impressive season with Atlas, but the former Barcelona player has made the first cut.”
Dos Santos hadn't played for the national team since last summer's Gold Cup. However, the outstanding dribbler has now been included.
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