World Cup:Young Barcelona midfielder Jonathan Dos Santos was cut from Mexico's final 23-man squad for the World Cup finals, while hosts South Africa left out Benni McCarthy, their all-time leading goalscorer, from the Bafana Bafana squad.
Dos Santos, who made his national team debut last September, was overlooked by coach Javier Aguirre despite playing the full 90 minutes of Mexico's 5-1 friendly win over Gambia.
Defensive duo Juan Carlos Valenzuela (America) and Adrian Aldrete (Morelia) were the other two players to miss out.
"The Mexican Football Federation is grateful to Jonathan Dos Santos Ramirez for his dedication, discipline, professionalism and commitment shown during the preparations with the national team," a statement on the governing body's official website, www.femexfut.org.mx, read.
While Dos Santos (20) missed out there was better news for his brother, Giovani, who was included after spending last season on loan at Galatasaray under his former Barca boss Frank Rijkaard.
However Dos Santos is considering quitting the squad after his brother’s omission, according to the players’ father, Zizinho, who was said to be furious with the decision.
Zizinho, a former professional player in South America, hinted Tottenham midfielder Giovani was now considering his future.
“Gio is very hurt and he wants to be at home with us,” said Zizinho.
“He is there now and he’s not well. We don’t know if he will play (at the World Cup) or not. We still don’t know anything.”
Zizinho also said Jonathan will not make himself available for international selection.
“Jonathan told me that he is going to quit the Mexican team and I don’t want him playing for them anymore anyway,” he added.
Manchester United-bound striker Javier Hernandez was included following his double in the friendly against Gambia in Germany.
That match was Mexico's last before the World Cup finals where they will play hosts South Africa, France and Uruguay in Group A.
In McCarthy’s case he was left out after the West Ham striker McCarthy has struggled for fitness in recent months and has been criticised for being overweight.
He was one of five players cut from a 28-man training squad with goalkeeper Rowen Fernandez, defenders Bryce Moon and Innocent Mdledle and midfielder Franklin Cale also omitted.
Mexico squad:Oscar Perez (Chiapas), Guillermo Ochoa (America), Luis Ernesto Michel (Guadalajara); Rafael Marquez (Barcelona), Ricardo Osorio (Stuttgart), Francisco Rodriguez, Carlos Salcido (both PSV Eindhoven), Hector Moreno, Paul Aguilar (Pachuca), Efrain Juarez (Pumas UNAM), Jonny Magallon (Guadalajara), Jorge Torres Nilo (Atlas); Andres Guardado (Deportivo La Coruna), Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul), Israel Castro (Pumas UNAM), Giovani dos Santos (Galatasaray, on loan from Tottenham); Pablo Barrera (Pumas UNAM), Adolfo Bautista, Alberto Medina (both Guadalajara), Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Veracruz), Carlos Vela (Arsenal), Javier Hernandez (Manchester United), Guillermo Franco (West Ham).
South Africa squad:Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Moeneeb Josephs (Orlando Pirates), Shuaib Walters (Maritzburg United); Siboniso Gaxa (Sundowns), Anele Ngcongca (Genk), Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth), Matthew Booth (Sundowns), Bongani Khumalo (SuperSport United), Siyabonga Sangweni (Golden Arrows), Tsepo Masilela (Maccabi Haifa), Lucas Thwala (Orlando Pirates); Teko Modise (Orlando Pirates), Lance Davids (Ajax Cape Town), Reneilwe Letsholonyane (Kaizer Chiefs), MacBeth Sibaya (Rubin Kazan), Thanduyise Khuboni (Golden Arrows), Kagiso Dikgacoi (Fulham), Steven Pienaar (Everton), Siphiwe Tshabalala (Kaizer Chiefs); Surprise Moriri (Sundowns), Bernard Parker (FC Twente), Katlego Mphela (Sundowns), Siyabonga Nomvethe (Moroka Swallows)