Since 1994 when the World Cup was held in Mexico’s backyard; United States, Mexico has been tormented with heartbreaking results in the Round of 16. In the last 5 FIFA World Cups, Mexico has failed to progress from the Round of 16 stage which is a trend that all fans want El Tri to break. El Tri has to overcome this fear of repeating history and we hope that if they do make it to this stage once again, they can achieve what 5 past Mexico National Teams couldn't make it to the next stage.
For those of you who have the stomach for it, below is a recap from El Tri's last 5 World Cups and how they were knocked out:
1994 - Mexico vs Bulgaria - USA
At Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey with a 71K plus crowd in attendance Bulgaria started the match with high intensity and H. Stoichkov scored the first goal of the match in the 6th minute for Bulgaria. Mexico would equalize later with a A. GarcíaAspe penalty and have an advantage in the game as a Bulgarian player received a red card. Mexico had the opportunity to close out the show as they were awarded a second penalty but were not able to capitalize on the opportunity. Bulgaria would ultimately win in the penalty shootout, leaving Mexico with a missed opportunity.
1998 - Mexico vs Germany - France
Luis Hernandez was able to score his fourth goal of the tournament in the 47th minute to give Mexico a surprise lead against the Germans. Hernandez controlled the ball in the box among three German defenders, found enough open space for the shot and from close range beat goalkeeper Andreas Kopke to the left side. Germany turned the motors on when they had to and took the victory thanks to goals which were 11 minutes apart from JuergenKlinsmann and Oliver Bierhoff in the second half. Germany 2-1.
2002 - Mexico vs USA - Korea, Japan
In easily the most anticipated and important match for any fan because of the intense 68-year soccer rivalry with CONCACAF foe USA, Mexico failed to take control of the match and lost 2 -0 with the impressive finishing from Brian McBride and Landon Donovan.
2006 - Mexico vs Argentina - Germany
In what started as a dream start for Mexico, they took a surprise lead after five minutes when Rafael Marquez got on the end of a Mario Mendez free-kick. Argentina replied five minutes later when a corner was forced home by a combination of HernanCrespo's foot and Jared Borgetti's head. Then in extra time, Maxi Rodriguez sent Argentina to the quarter-finals against Germany when he chested Juan Sorin's pass and stunningly volleyed it home.
2010 - Mexico vs Argentina - South Africa
Mexico had the opportunity to take on revenge as they were matched up with Argentina in the Round of 16 for the second World Cup in a row. They ultimately didn’t accomplish this as Argentina scored twice in the first 33 minutes, one a goal that should never have been allowed and another that was essentially gift-wrapped. The final score was 3 - 1.
Category:
