Santiago Gimenez

Mexico''s modern No. 9 and the man expected to score the goals for the co-hosts on home soil. Gimenez is a sharp penalty-box striker who lives on the shoulder of the last defender and finishes the half-chances. With a famous soccer surname and a big move to AC Milan behind him, he carries a nation''s hopes. For U.S. fans, he is a pure closer — the goal-line specialist whose whole job is to punch the ball into the end zone.