It is the eternal and impossible objective of Mexico in the World Cup: to reach the quarterfinals away from home for the first time. On paper, the team that goes to Russia 2018 has the resources to play more than four matches.
More than half of the squad called up by Juan Carlos Osorio for Russia 2018 plays in the main European leagues, from Spain to England: Héctor Herrera, Giovani Dos Santos, Carlos Salcido (Olympic champions in London 2012), Héctor Moreno, Carlos Vela, and Giovani Dos Santos (Under-17 World Cup champions in 2005) are their main figures.
To break the curse in Russia 2018, Mexico decided to try the help of Spanish sports coach Imanol Ibarrondo, who joined the 'Tri' coaching staff a couple of years ago. "There are very valuable learnings and easy to apply in people's lives and I want to help create new realities with my conversations," explained the motivator.
But changing their luck seems complicated this time. Mexico was drawn into a tough group in the first round of Russia 2018, where they will debut against the reigning champion Germany and then face South Korea and Sweden. It is predictable that they will finish second in the group. The possible opponent in the round of 16? Brazil.
Hirving 'Chucky' Lozano is one of the young talents that Mexico will have in Russia 2018. (Getty Images)
The feeling of pessimism surrounding the team is justified. The result in the opening match against Germany (their executioner in 1978, 1986, and 1998) could determine their fate. "If, by bad luck, they score more than three goals on us in that match, we can quickly go back home," said Hugo Sánchez, considered one of the best footballers in Mexico's history.
But the current generation of Mexico thinks big and has welcomed what Ibarrondo does. "This kind of help is always welcome, every time you learn something new, that door opens to be stronger in every sense," said goalkeeper Alfredo Talavera. And goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa said, "You should never stop dreaming."