Eduardo López 

The curse of the fifth game

Mexico

The 'Tri' has been obsessed with reaching the World Cup quarterfinals since 1994. Yet their destiny has been the same since then: round of 16 and home.

‘Tata’ Martino was the one selected to break the curse. The process began in the best way: a Gold Cup title (2019), good soccer, and few doubts.

Everything began to cloud over in 2021. 'El Tri' lost three momentous games against the United States, including two finals. 

The crisis grew at the end of the year. After losing to the US and Canada, Mexico's Qatar trip was at risk. The resignation requests to 'Tata' multiplied.

Finally, Martino shielded his defense and the team achieved the results in the final stretch of the tie, but the criticism did not stop.

'Tata' has been described as "the public enemy" of the country, the victim of a "campaign" against him. It is unlikely that he will renew his contract after the World Cup.

The expectations around Martino's team are unusually low. Confidence is rock bottom, something strange in a country that idolizes its team.

The players of the past smile at Martino: It's been 44 years since Mexico remained at the group stage. The mix of youth and experience is their ace.