“We have the chance to do the impossible.”
After Mexico brushed aside Ecuador to reach the last 16 of the World Cup, some of their celebrating fans already had an eye on their potential next opponents.
England face a difficult test in their last-32 tie with DR Congo later on Wednesday but, should they overcome that, it will not get any easier.
That is because next up would be a match with Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium – a mouthwatering fixture for many football fans, but a daunting one for England supporters.
Mexico have never got beyond the quarter-finals of the World Cup, but their impressive displays at this tournament – four games, four wins, eight goals scored and no goals conceded – have their fans dreaming of what could be.
“England have the Ballon d’Or favourite Harry Kane leading that team,” one fan said.
“You have players like Jude Bellingham, and it is scary, but with the momentum we have there is the chance to do the impossible.”
Based on their performances at this World Cup and their record at the Azteca, Mexico going far should not feel like an impossible target.
Their competitive record at this stadium is 70 wins from 89 games, with 17 draws and only two defeats. They are also unbeaten in 10 World Cup games there.
Admittedly, the opposition they have faced at the Azteca is not always of the highest quality but, nevertheless, it will be a daunting task for whoever faces them in the last 16.
“The whole nation is behind them – we’ve seen the scenes,” former Australia and Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou said on ITV.
“If it will be England going down to Mexico, it’s going to be like stepping into a different World Cup for them.”
