Mexico raises bar after beating Germany in World Cup opener

MOSCOW (AP) — Mexico is starting to dream big after beating defending World Cup champion Germany.

The 1-0 win was among the biggest victories in Mexican soccer history, and is giving the team’s players confidence that they could reach the quarterfinals in Russia or perhaps beyond.

“I don’t know if we’ve sent a message to other teams, but internally we’ve spread a clear message that we are completely capable of competing with anyone,” defender Miguel Layun said after training Monday. “It helps us to know we’re capable and that when we work together, we can accomplish anything.”

The most successful international tournament for Mexico was winning the gold medal at the 2012 Olympics in London.

Coming into Russia, fans didn’t have high hopes for the team’s chances of going far in the World Cup. But that changed overnight with Sunday’s victory.

“The feeling is indescribable because no one really expected much from us,” said midfielder Jonathan Dos Santos. “I think we’re the only ones who believed in ourselves. Starting out on the right foot was good for us, and there’s a long way to go, but we’re doing well.”

Mexico hasn’t made it past the second round since the 1986 World Cup, when it hosted the tournament and reached the quarterfinals.

“We didn’t come to Russia just to beat Germany and go home. We have the mindset to achieve. Yesterday was just a first step,” said forward Javier Hernandez.