World Cup 2018
World Cup 2018: Mexico Possible Dark Horse In Group F
Hirving Lozano’s goal in the 35th minute of the Group F game in Moscow left Germany stunned. This has unexpectedly propelled Mexico into the tournament’s spotlight. Against all odds, Mexico withstood that one-goal lead that gave them win over the 2014 defending champions. The historic goal gave Mexico its biggest win in a World Cup ever.
A few weeks before the start of the World Cup, ESPN Deporte’s David Faitelson interviewed Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez in which he incited that Mexico was not equipped to win a World Cup. However, Chicharito was very adamant to take Faitelson’s position and replied with “Why can’t we be Greece in the Euro Cup (2004)? Why we can’t be Leicester of the Premier League?” But it didn’t end there, the ESPN Deportes commentator kept insisting that Mexico needed to have a process in place (similar to Germany’s) to actually be considered to win a World Cup.
But, What If We Win The World Cup?
That would be fantastic, Faitelson said. But you have no belief in us, said Chicharito. The Mexican media’s opinion will remain the same and will keep bashing us for not being able to pass the fifth game in the World Cup. But, why can’t we dream? And added, everything you want is not available. We don’t have anything you wished we had, moves we made, none of those things we have. But although we have none of those things you want, this is what we have and we’ll do the best with this and nothing else.
What Is Next?
Mexico now has the opportunity to continue making history if they are able to continue with their feat by defeating South Korea. To do so, they have six more games to go. But why think ahead, Mexico has a great strategist in Colombian manager Juan Carlos Osorio. Despite his insistence in rotation and moving pieces, his method has worked before and has managed to beat Germany so far. With this in mind, they will have to continue with controlling the ball and counter attacking given the spaces that Korea gives them.
CONCACAF Hate?
Yes, the CONCACAF region hates Mexico. Perhaps their dominance in the region for many years and has created hatred for themselves. The bitter rival between the U.S. and Mexico has always been at its peak and known as the clasico of the north.
Landon Donovan, the U.S.’s greatest soccer player, was seen championing in a TV ad that debuted with the start of the World Cup.
“¡Vamos Mexico!” Donovan cheered in the ad brought to us by Wells Fargo.
This brought Donovan lots of criticism online for breaking the rules of rivalry. However, Donovan stayed his ground and as Donovan explained on Grant Wahl’s Planet Futbol World Cup Daily Podcast this week: “In retrospect, I think I should’ve explained my personal story vis-a-vis the Mexican people and culture and how Mexican soccer has influenced my life and my career. I think that would have been a much smarter way to handle this as opposed to just coming out with an ad saying I’m supporting Mexico in the World Cup, because a lot of people understandably took that the wrong way.
“There’s, unfortunately, a lot of hatred in this country, and you just have to say there’s a lot of racism. That’s come out over the weekend in all the comments I’ve seen. So it’s unfortunate, but I do feel connected to the Mexican people in many ways, and I do want them to do well.”
Conclusion: Is Mexico A Dark Horse?
Yes, Mexico is the dark horse and have my full support. I believe in miracles and have full confidence that they will continue with their feat. Mexico may not be the favorite in no ones bracket. However, Costa Rica became the World Cup’s darling in 2014. Perhaps another CONCACAF team can be the Cinderella story in this World Cup.
