MEXICO COACH:Ricardo LaVolpe

An Argentine native, Ricardo LaVolpe is a rarity when it comes to the Mexican National Team. He is an outsider, a foreigner, who was selected in direct the side in 2002.

Born on February 6, 1952, LaVolpe guarded the nets for Club Atletico Banfield and San Lorenzo in Argentina and for Atlante and Oaxtepec in Mexico. He also was a reserve goalkeeper when Argentina won the 1978 World Cup.

LaVolpe has coached several Mexican clubs over the years, including Puebla, Atlante, Guadalajara, Queretaro, America, Atlas and Toluca, winning the title in 1992. He has clashed with the media, club owners and even club coach Hugo Sanchez, and has threatened to quit the team several times.

Many of his detractors do not like his explosive temperament and gruff personality. During Mexico's 1-0 win over the U.S. at Azteca Stadium on March 27, 2005, LaVolpe was expelled from the bench. He was given his marching orders by referee Rodolfo Sibrian in the 41st minute apparently after criticizing game officials. His assistant coaches, which included former Mexican international and ex-L.A. Galaxy and Chicago Fire goalkeeper Jorge Campos, ran the team, apparently communicating with the banished LaVolpe via walkie-talkie.