MEXICO CITY, Oct 19: Miguel Herrera became Mexico’s fourth coach in less than six weeks when he was chosen on Friday to lead the team for their last-ditch bid to qualify for the World Cup.

Herrera, whose club side America are champions and league leaders, was appointed by the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) for next month’s two-legged playoff against New Zealand.

Herrera replaces Victor Manuel Vucetich, who coached only two matches. The last was a 2-1 loss on Tuesday against Costa Rica.

Mexican federation officials said they would evaluate after the two matches to decide if Herrera will continue.

“No one likes to be changing coaches ... when the results don’t come decisions have to be made,” FMF president Justino Compean told a news conference. “We’ve touched rock bottom ... Mexican football has been affected in all its aspects.”

Herrera, 45, coached America to their 11th title this year, his first as manager. The club, who currently sit top of the league, said Herrera was joining the national team on loan for the two-legged playoff against Oceania winners New Zealand at the Azteca on Nov 13 and in Wellington on Nov 20.

Mexico were lucky to reach the playoff, finishing fourth in CONCACAF’s six-nation final group by the skin of their teeth.

Panama missed out when they lost to the United States 3-2 on Tuesday after two stoppage-time goals. Panama were leading 2-1 after an 83rd-minute goal, a result that would have eliminated Mexico from the playoff.

Mexico’s new manager inherits a team that have under-achieved despite a handful of European-based talent such as Manchester United forward Javier Hernandez and Villareal playmaker Giovani dos Santos.

Mexico have not missed the World Cup since 1990 when they were banned for fielding over-age players in the World Youth Cup.—Agencies