Jonathan Dos Santos earned his first World Cup roster call-up for the Mexican national team after almost a decade of waiting for an opportunity to join his brother, Giovani Dos Santos, in representing their country.
“It’s a dream for me,” Jonathan said. “I’ve dreamt about it every day and night and I’ve waited a long time for this moment to arrive. I thank God for every difficulty He has put in my way, and I am very happy to be able to achieve my dream. The third time’s a charm, and I am very happy.”
Jonathan made his first appearance for the Mexican national team in September 2009 against Colombia at the age of 19. Since then, he’s been left off the squad multiple times and has only made 35 more appearances.
Finally, for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Jonathan and Giovani Dos Santos are both on the 23-player roster for the Mexican national team.
“It’s what he and I are both wishing for, to play a World Cup together,” Jonathan said. “And, like I said, I can’t wait for the moment both of us are on the field playing together, debuting together in a World Cup.”
This year has been tough for both Dos Santos players with their club, the LA Galaxy. Both have suffered injuries that kept them out for several games this season. Jonathan has dealt with both a hamstring injury and a calf injury in the three months since the MLS regular season began in March.
The last match that Jonathan had to miss due to injury was May 5th against the Houston Dynamo in Los Angeles. Since then, he’s started the three matches with his club and played the full 90 minutes for two of those before having to depart for international duty.
“I’ve had some obstacles like a few injuries, but that’s part of the game,” Jonathan said. “While I’ve been injured, I have tried my hardest to return in the best shape possible to play at 100 percent. I’ve prepared since preseason and I think I am in a great moment. I am fully recovered and that is the most important thing.”
In Mexico’s tune-up games prior to heading to Russia for the World Cup, Jonathan participated in all three and earned a starting spot alongside his brother in the final match. The Dos Santos brothers are expected to play a part in Mexico’s first World Cup match against Germany, but the extent of their involvement won’t be known until match day.
Mexico opens Group play against reigning World Cup Champion Germany, followed by matches against South Korea and Sweden. While it may be a daunting task to take on the current reigning champions right away, Jonathan is looking forward to the opportunity.
“It will be a very big challenge to debut in the World Cup against Germany,” he said. “It will be a very nice game to play, very complicated, but I also think they are cautious of us. They know the type of team we are, we’ve faced them in the Confederations Cup. They beat us, but like I said, in a World Cup anything can happen. We are aware about the quality of rival we will play against.
“We have a very talented team with a lot of experience. The most important thing, I’ve always said, is that we are a very united team off the field, and I think that shows on the field. Every team has options, but I think with our mentality we can go far into the tournament.”