Mario Méndez

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Mario Méndez Olague (born on June 1, 1979 in Guadalajara, Jalisco) is a Mexican football player, specializing as both a defender and midfielder, who plays for Toluca.

[edit] Biography

Mario Mendez started his career with CF Atlas in the year 1998, in the golden age that included many (at the time, promising) players like Rafael Marquez, Daniel Osorno, Juan Pablo Rodriguez and Miguel Zepeda. With Atlas he got a sub-championship in the year of 1999 having been a vital part in the defense. He stayed with this club until 2004. In 2004 Mario Mendéz was bought by Club Toluca, where he was an important player in the squad playing 49 games and scoring one goal.

Later on Méndez was sent to Monterrey to play for the Rayados of Monterrey. Unfortunately he did not have many participation due to the compromises with Mexico in the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup. Later that year he was transferred to Tigres on May 29, 2006. He previously played for Tigres arch-rival Rayados, but was playing there only on loan, and was signed with Club Toluca who negotiated the transference with Tigres.

He was recently called up to the Mexico national team to participate in the 2006 World Cup. He started for Mexico's first two games against Iran, Angola and later, in the Elimination Round of 16 against Argentina. In the game against Iran he made an assist in the goal of Zihna. Although he has been criticized for his occasional careless plays and team work abilities on the national team, he continues to be one of Mexico's important talented players.

During the Winter Transfer period, Ricardo Lavolpe, headcoach of Vélez Sársfield, called for the talents of Mario Mendez for the Argentinen club, Velez Sarsfield. After Lavolpe's resignation as coach Mendez returned to Mexico, joining Toluca.

[edit] Honours

• Mexico
  • CONCACAF Gold Cup: 2003

[edit] External links

• Mario Méndez Article (In Spanish)
• Football Database.com provides Mario Méndez's profile and stats

v • d • e Mexico squad - 2006 FIFA World Cup 1 Sánchez • 2 Suárez • 3 Salcido • 4 Márquez • 5 Osorio • 6 Torrado • 7 Zinha • 8 Pardo • 9 Borgetti • 10 Franco • 11 Morales • 12 Corona • 13 Ochoa • 14 Pineda • 15 Castro • 16 Méndez • 17 Fonseca • 18 Guardado • 19 Bravo • 20 García • 21 Arellano • 22 Rodríguez • 23 Pérez • Coach: Lavolpe

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