Mexico, which opens World Cup play vs. defending champion Germany on Sunday has made it to the round of 16 in each of the past six World Cups, one heck of a record. Argentina can’t say that, nor can Spain, Italy, England, Portugal, or anyone but Brazil and Germany.
But Mexico has never gotten any further, mired at the first knockout hurdle. Often it has come in painful fashion. A disputed last-minute penalty in 2014, an offside goal in 2010, an injury-time winner in 2006 and a crushing defeat to the U.S. in 2002.
Now, before its opener against Germany on Sunday, all the Mexican discussion is of “Game Five” and how to get there. There are three group matches, so playing a fifth time requires reaching the quarterfinals. From politicians to street sweepers, it’s a fixation.
“Getting to ‘Quinto partido’ would be glorious,”