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But the result is always the game.
For the seventh World Cup in a row, the soccer-mad country of
more than 100 million people has seen its team knocked out in
the second round, this time with Monday's 2-0 defeat to Brazil.
As always, there were tantalizing moments, notably in the 1-0
win over Germany, when Mexico suggested they could finally
succeed in their seemingly Sisyphean task of reaching the "fifth
game."
But then came the familiar collapse, this time in their final
group game against Sweden when they were outmuscled by less
sophisticated opponents and lost 3-0, followed by the inevitable
end.
Four of Mexico's second-round eliminations have come against
clearly superior teams: twice against Argentina (2006 and 2010),
once against Germany (1998) and now Brazil.
But twice Mexico were the favorites, against Bulgaria in 1994
when they lost on penalties, and against the United States in
2002 when they collectively froze and lost 2-0.
The other was an even match against the Netherlands four years
ago, when they led 1-0 until the last five minutes, only to
capitulate and lose 2-1.
One of Mexico’s many problems is that the pressure on the coach
is immense, especially for a foreigner, and Osorio -- the ninth
man to occupy the post in 10 years -- has been in a running
battle with the media during his three years in charge.
Another finger could be pointed at the Mexican league, the
strongest in Latin America, which paradoxically is detrimental
to the national side.
This is partly because the number of foreign players makes it
more difficult for Mexicans to break into the teams and also
because, when Mexican players are successful, they often prefer
to stay at home rather than move to more competitive leagues
abroad.
Mexico's squad in Russia had eight home-based players, another
three in Major League Soccer and only six based in the top five
European leagues.
Indeed, Osorio pointed to Mexico's lack of players at top
European clubs as a key factor in their defeat to Brazil.
"The fact that we could play on equal terms against a team like
Brazil speaks very well of our attitude, but we lacked
efficiency and that extra quality they have in the last third of
the field," said Osorio, noting that all Brazil's players are
based with top clubs.
"You have to remember where Gabriel Jesus plays (Manchester
City), where Willian and Philippe Coutinho play (Chelsea and
Barcelona, respectively).
"Mexican football needs to export more players and they need to
compete each weekend with the best, they need to train each week
with the best, and then the team will take that jump in
quality."
(Writing by Brian Homewood; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
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