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MEXICO CITY (AP) \u2014 Mexico’s disastrous performance in the finals world cup<\/span> The events in Qatar served as a wake-up call for this year’s events. The message was clear. El Tri<\/span> If they wanted a different ending on home soil in 2026, they needed new players.<\/p>\nFour years after the national soccer team’s disappointing group stage exit – Mexico’s fastest World Cup finish since 1978 – Coach Javier Aguirre’s<\/span> Youthful Gamble is already showing promise.<\/p>\nEl Tri opened this year’s tournament convincingly 2-0 victory<\/span> Seven players made their World Cup debut against South Africa, including forward Juli\u00e1n Qui\u00f1ones, who scored the opening goal just nine minutes into the game.<\/p>\n“We worked hard mentally to not let the size of the stage affect us, and we were able to get off to a good start,” said midfielder Eric Lila, another player making his debut on soccer’s biggest stage.<\/p>\n
The 26-year-old Lira played a key role in the victory, forcing a key turnover that led to Mexico’s first goal.<\/p>\n
In addition to Qui\u00f1ones and Lira, Aguirre gave World Cup debuts to Alvaro Fidalgo, Raul Rangel, Israel Reyes, Brian Gutierrez, Armando Gonz\u00e1lez and teenage sensation Gilberto Mora. Defender Johan Vazquez, who traveled to Qatar but did not have a chance to play, also made his tournament debut.<\/p>\n
Gonz\u00e1lez, who came on midway through the second half, said, “This is the happiest day of my life. From the moment we exited the tunnel, both Mateo (Chavez) and I were on the verge of tears.” \u201cWhen I was a kid, I dreamed about it, imagined it, saw it on TV, but to actually make my debut is unbelievable.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spanish-born playmaker Fidalgo, who became a naturalized Mexican citizen earlier this year, echoed that pride.<\/p>\n
“I can’t explain it. Maybe after a while I’ll be able to do it. I don’t think I’m fully aware of it yet,” Fidalgo said. “I’m really happy to be playing in my first World Cup match, and it’s an honor and pride to be able to play against the Mexican national team. We’re on an upward trajectory from now on.”<\/p>\n
With this rejuvenated core, Mexico will look for its second victory when they face South Korea in Guadalajara on Thursday. Mexico currently leads Group A on goal difference, having outscored South Korea in the tournament’s opening match. 2-1 victory over Czech Republic<\/span>.<\/p>\nA victory would virtually guarantee El Tri a place in the knockout stages and help erase the bitter memories of their early exit in Qatar. It would also raise hopes of emulating Mexico’s best ever World Cup result, reaching the quarter-finals, a feat they achieved as hosts in 1970 and 1986.<\/p>\n
Despite the growing excitement, the team remains grounded, especially with two finals remaining before the quarter-finals in this year’s expanded 48-team World Cup.<\/p>\n
“I can’t imagine playing the sixth game (quarterfinals) without even playing the second game,” Lira said. \u201cWe are taking one step at a time, but we want to make it clear that our ambitions are very high and we will not settle for anything less.\u201d<\/p>\n
___<\/p>\n
AP World Cup coverage: https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/fifa-world-cup<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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