Chicharito must play, says Congressman

The clamour for Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez to be in Mexico's starting eleven against Argentina on Sunday reached the Congress this week.

PRI Congressman Eric Rubio demanded that coach Javier Aguirre should be called to explain to the nation his selection decisions and why he took Andres Guardado off at half-time.

"He should have to answer why he started the spoilt Blanco, why he took off Guardado and why he didn't put 'Chicharito' Hernandez in the starting team," said the Mexican politician.

The demand for Chicharito is all over the papers, all over the television and all the talk among Mexicans. "Stubborn" is the word that continually crops up when Aguirre's selection of Guillermo Franco is discussed.

There's even a prayer going the email rounds, which plays on a TV advert in which the players star, with the catchphrase "make sandwiches."

Here's part of it in Spanish:

San Dwichito… Que la meta el chicharito. (Play Chicharito)

San Dwich de Pan Blanco… Que no metan al Guille Franco (Don't play Franco)

And to end the whole thing:

San Dwich con Queso blanco…..No se te olvide… que no metan al Guille Franco.
(Don't forget, don't play Franco)

A front page editorial in El Tren newspaper, also begged people to pray that Chicharito will start. Indeed, in the face of Aguirre's "stubborness," it appears praying is common activity to counter it.

Mexican manager at the World Cup four years ago, Argentine Ricardo La Volpe perhaps summed up the situation best in an opinion piece.

"Guille Franco has been given his chance and he's not done it. It's time for Chicharito."