Former England and Manchester City coach Sven-Goran Eriksson set his sights on qualification for the 2010 World Cup, after finally discovering he has been chosen as the new man in charge for Mexico.

Eriksson's appointment to succeed Hugo Sanchez - sacked in March - was announced by the Mexican Football Federation president Justino Compean, after the committee of the owners of Mexico's 18 top-flight teams unanimously approved the employment of the 60-year-old Swede.

Eriksson, speaking in Spanish, said: "I want to thank the Mexican Football Federation for their confidence and support.

"Our goal is (to qualify for) the 2010 World Cup and try to do it better than in the past."

Eriksson is excited by the challenge of helping Mexico reach the World Cup in South Africa.

He said: "Mexico is a big, big job. To help Mexico reach the World Cup is a big challenge. You (Mexicans) have 120 million people, and it's motivating."

The Swede's appointment has come in for criticism among some members of the Mexico side.

Carlos Salcido does not think a coach who cannot speak fluent Spanish should take over in the middle of a qualifying campaign.

Andres Guardado feels interim boss Jesus Ramirez - who had taken charge of the side since the dismissal of Sanchez - should stay at least as Eriksson's assistant, given his knowledge of the squad.

But Eriksson insists he is ready to prove his critics wrong.

"I like big challenges, so it is up to me to convince the supporters and the players that I am the right man," he added.

"Mexico is a big challenge - and that's why I am here."

The incoming coach is confident Mexico have players capable of helping him achieve his objectives.

"I will try to make a very strong team. That's my policy," he said.

"My job in Mexico will be to improve the job the players have been doing and not to change their mentality."

Eriksson will not officially take up his post until June 21st, when Mexico host Belize Monterrey in the second leg of the second round of World Cup qualifiers.

Until then Ramirez will remain in temporary charge for the matches against Argentina on June 4th, Peru on June 8th and the first leg with Belize in Houston on June 15th.