Francisco Rodríguez biography
Date of birth : 1981-10-10
Date of death : -
Birthplace : Mazatlán, Mexico
Nationality : Mexican
Category : Sports
Last modified : 2010-06-12
Credited as : Football defender Mexican team, PSV football club, FIFA World Cup
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'Maza', as the Dutch-based centre-back is commonly known, was a protégé of ex-Mexico manager Ricardo Lavolpe and though at times he does look ungainly, he is a tremendously effective marker, tenacity personified and very strong in the air. One fault you can throw at his door is he picks up too many bookings.
Maza was born in the port of Mazatlan in the state of Sinaloa and began his professional career with C.D. Guadalajara, debuting for the club during the 2002 Apertura tournament.
He was part of the Mexican 2004 Olympic Football Team, that exited in the first round, having finished third in group A, below group winners Mali and South Korea.
On April 2, 2006, he was called up to play for the Mexican National Team by head coach Ricardo Lavolpe. Maza played one game in the 2006 World cup, playing against Portugal.
In the Apertura 2006, he helped to tie the final game, which Chivas won 2–1 against Toluca, and helped Chivas win their 11th championship in the Primera División de México
PSV Eindhoven
On May 9, 2008, it was announced that Rodríguez was transferred for $1.8m to the Dutch club PSV Eindhoven for 3 years joining his compatriot Carlos Salcido. Maza started his debut season mostly on the bench, and proved to be an alternative as one of two centre backs such as Dirk Marcellis. He scored his first goal with the Dutch giants on November 25, 2008 with a blistering 30 yard shot against Heracles Almelo. Maza plays with the number 4 jersey, previously worn by Manuel da Costa who transferred to ACF Fiorentina in January 2008.
Rodríguez has played a more central role in the team for the 2009–2010, he's won a starting spot in the defence both for the Dutch League Tournament and the UEFA Europa League.
Rodriguez was a bit-part player at the 2006 World Cup finals, only starting one game against Portugal and he is likely to be on the bench again in South Africa.
Tall and dominating, he starred in the Mexican League for Chivas Guadalajara - where he won an Opening Championship medal in 2006 - before moving to PSV in a £1.2 million deal in the summer of 2008.
