MEXICO CITY (AP) — The Mexican dream is here world cup It can be summed up in the phrase “And what would happen if we did that?”
This question omits the ending—what if we win?—but it captures the hopes of two generations of Mexicans. People who are used to losing And we have been waiting 40 years for the national team to reach the quarter-finals, and a win against England could make it happen on Sunday.
The phrase — “¿Y si sí?” is Spanish and also a chant that millions of young people chant over and over again. They now have something to believe in, are united, and are filled with excitement. It’s a revamped team that has surprised them since the start of the tournament and remains undefeated with no goals conceded.
“We have already broken the curse,” says Elian González, a 22-year-old nursing student.
“This team has given us great hope. There are a lot of young players, so that will give us strength and take us to the final,” said the young woman from the capital’s suburbs. He says that his mother instilled in him a passion for soccer.
Analysts don’t have high hopes for Mexico to reach the finals, but fans dare to ask: What if they do?
Playing at home is key
On Sunday, the Mexicans are ready to celebrate again in their match against England. Mexico could match their best results at the 1986 and 1970 World Cups, both held on home soil.
Mexico has the advantage of a history of victories at the Estadio Azteca and a city that is over 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) above sea level.
The England team are aware of this, but there is another concern, and that is their opponents’ fans. England tried to keep their home hotel a secret to prevent a repeat of the excruciating serenade that Mexican supporters had given Ecuador the night before that match. Some England fans have said on social media that they fear Mexico more than Brazil.
While memes have proliferated, iconic figures from each country have been pitted against each other, including Cantinflas vs. James Bond, Freddie Mercury vs. Juan Gabriel, and bands like Oasis and Mana have started making predictions, Mexican fans haven’t stopped celebrating since their team’s victory. Opening match against South Africa.
David Cavita, 26, says while some might think the viral video of Mexico’s euphoria was created by artificial intelligence, that’s not the case. “Here you can throw anything,” he said, referring to the tendency for fans to be thrown into the air and then caught by the crowd.
“The atmosphere here… I’ve never felt anything like it. I’ve never felt anything like it in my life,” said Esteban Bautista, a 21-year-old engineering student and friend. “We will have the best World Cup ever at home.”
Mexico and the World Cup: “Overflowing enthusiasm”
It’s well known that soccer has the power to unify and inspire, but some believe it’s even more powerful in Mexico.
“What we’re seeing is a kind of passionate outpouring,” said Carlos Cruz, 54, a city employee and founder of a nonprofit that works with teenagers, especially among young people who want to feel part of something, leave their frustrations behind and root for a youth-based team.
in mexico The youngest player of the tournament, 17-year-old Gilberto Moraand Julián Quiñones, a naturalized Mexican from an area of Colombia known for drug violence and poverty, are both icons to many, Cruz said.
“Mola is the one who gave us hope that Mexicans can achieve anything they want,” says Areli Navarrete, a teenager who only recently became interested in soccer.
“We have a team that has played with passion and is eager, anxious and longing for something to celebrate,” said Omar Gutierrez, a 46-year-old market analyst who played in the youth teams of several Mexican teams.
go out on the street
in spite of, four deaths More than a million people took to the streets on Tuesday to celebrate Mexico’s victory over Ecuador, and no one doubts the center of the capital will be even more crowded on Sunday.
Francisco Guerra’s sons, 15-year-old triplets Patricio, Geronimo and Juan Pablo, have watched three matches live wearing the jerseys of the second most popular national teams, Germany and England, but Patricio jokes that the latter may get burned on Sunday. The family has strong ties with a British family with whom they share a chat group that is currently muted.
They dream of going to Sunday’s game at the Angel of Independence, an iconic venue for the celebration. Mexico City agreed, but their father was reluctant. He promised further safety measures and attendance limits.
Joshua Zayas, 19, will definitely compete. He says all it takes is a little caution. “Especially now that I just finished my college semester, I buy bubbles, jump around, and dance to let off stress. It’s really nice to see how we can all come together.”
And what if Mexico doesn’t win?
“We’re going to be incredibly depressed and who knows how we’re going to react,” Zayas said. “But let’s hope they move forward.”
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