Mexicans Applaud Big Effort

Saturday’s game ended for Mexico’s soccer team with a result much like the country’s wars: an honorable, hard-fought defeat against a more powerful enemy.

Though hopes were high, few fans here expected Mexico to beat Argentina in the second round of soccer’s World Cup. Argentines are widely respected here as master soccer technicians: The Mexican team’s coach is an Argentine.

Soccer star Cuauhtemoc Blanco, who was controversially left off the Mexican team by Coach Ricardo Lavolpe, even jokingly predicted before the game that Argentina would win 10-0.

“The team played well, they brought out their fighting spirit,” said Ruben Garcia Hernandez, 36, a newspaper vendor who has made a small fortune during the World Cup buying and reselling collectible stickers of the players. “People aren’t depressed, they aren’t down, because at least they saw their team score a goal and put a scare into the Argentines.”

The Mexicans took an early 1-0 lead and pushed the game into overtime. Many Mexicans took solace in the fact that Argentina’s 2-1 victory came only after a spectacular goal that commentators on the Televisa network called “a thing of beauty” and a “masterwork.”

When Maxi Rodriguez struck a swerving shot with his left foot into the goal from 20 yards, with the ball never having touched the ground, a gasp could be heard across Mexico.

“The team never gave up, and they only lost with that golazo,” said Gabriel Guerra, using the term Spanish speakers apply to special soccer goals.

A crowd gathered at this city’s downtown Angel of Independence Monument, hoping they might celebrate a Mexican victory. But they dispersed quietly after Mexico lost, ending the team’s run in the World Cup. Street vendors wrapped up their wares -- including flags and replica jerseys -- and went home.

“They always seem to fall just a little bit short,” said Carlos Francisco Lopez, a 30-year-old electrician. “Mexico seems to have that bad luck.”

Four years ago, Mexico was eliminated in the second round too, by the United States.

“We feel depressed. To tell you the truth, we’re a little bit angry. The referee wasn’t very good. But at least the players put all their heart and soul into the game.”

Retired Mexican soccer star Hugo Sanchez, now a coach and commentator on the Televisa network, agreed.

“We lost against a powerful rival,” he said after the referee blew the final whistle. “There’s nothing to be ashamed of. The players fought them tooth and nail.”