MIGUEL HERRERA, the Mexico coach, has left Manchester United forward Javier Hernandez on the bench for tonight's World Cup group opener against Cameroon.

Herrera has chosen Villarreal forward Giovani Dos Santos and Oribe Peralta to start in attack for the Group A encounter in Natal, Brazil. He also ended speculation as to who will start in goal with Ajaccio's Guillermo Ochoa selected ahead of Jesus Corona of Cruz Azul.

"I know that all of my players are going to leave their soul on the pitch to achieve a result," Herrera said. "We are ready to go out and win."

With Brazil and Croatia also included in the pool, Mexico - as well as their opponents - know how vital Friday's game is, having failed to reach the knock-out round in the past five tournaments.

"This is a very important game for us, key to our aspirations to progress to the next round," Herrera said. "We know it's not going to be easy but we are going to work very hard to beat Cameroon."

Mexico will have to show a vast improvement from 1-0 defeats in their last two friendlies against Bosnia & Herzegovina and Portugal.

"We are only interested in a win and not on the actual result," he said. "A win is what matters, taking three points and that is what we want."

Mexico had to beat New Zealand in the play-offs to reach Brazil and maintain their record of qualifying for every World Cup since 1990. Herrera believes Cameroon's pace poses the biggest danger for his side.

"They have a very good team, with fast players, who have experience," he said. "We will try to manage possession."

Cameroon go into the encounter at the Estadio das Dunas finally able to focus on football matters. Volker Finke's squad threatened to refuse to board the plane to Brazil due to a row over bonuses before a deal was finally reached.