Mexico show no fear as they aim to end fifth-game hex

SAINT PETERSBURG: Mexico do not have history on their side in their bid to dump Brazil out of the World Cup but this year’s version of El Tri have already demonstrated a capability to surprise in Russia.

For a seventh straight World Cup Mexico have made it to the last 16, but, agonisingly, they have failed to go any further on the six previous occasions, turning the desire just to make the quinto partido (fifth match) an obsession.

“There’s no greater memory than making history with a fifth match,” said Mexico captain Andres Guardado. “We’re different players in terms of the mental aspect, but we know we’ll be judged by whether we get through or not.

“What greater motivation could you need when we face off against the five-time champions? It’s the perfect scene. It’s the biggest game of our lives.”

Mexico’s last-16 misfortunes have often come down to the finest of margins. Defeat on penalties to surprise package Bulgaria in 1994 started an inauspicious run. They blew a lead against Germany four years later and against Argentina in 2006.

Conceding twice to the Netherlands in the final minutes four years ago hurt more than most defeats, with a controversial penalty awarded for a theatrical Arjen Robben tumble deep into stoppage time sending the Dutch into the last eight.

VAR (Video Assistant Referee) should prevent a repeat of such injustice, but Guardado has warned Italian referee Gianluca

Rocchi not to be fooled by any playacting from the world’s most expensive player, Neymar.

“We know he likes to exaggerate fouls, throw himself to the ground a lot, and the person who needs to stop that is the referee, not us,” he said.

A Brazil side finding their stride in Russia after a slow start are arguably the toughest challenge Mexico could have asked for.

Under Colombian coach Juan Carlos Osorio, though, Mexico approach every game seeking to impose themselves rather than in fear of the opposition.

“We will try to be more offensive-minded and more driven towards winning games rather than just being happy to be there and trying to not get embarrassed or lose,” said Osorio.

Despite landing in what is widely perceived as the tougher half of the draw, the team do not lack ambition.

“We want to be world champions and that’s what we’re aiming for,” said striker Javier Hernandez, Mexico’s all-time top scorer with 50 international goals.

To be champions, they need to get to the fifth game first.