The phrase that unifies Mexico. Since the team beat Ecuador 2-0 in the round of 32 – its first victory in a direct elimination match in 40 years – a question has resonated in the streets, cafes and newscasts: “What if?”
The origin is in a viral video recovered by Efraín Juárez, Pumas coach, when he asked: “What if yes, what if the Pumas are champions?”. Now, “what if” is the mantra of the tricolor fans.
The illusion grows. Mexico will face England in the round of 16, a duel that many call an early “final.” Lawyer Carlos Mejía sums it up:
“Mexico is going to play with a world power and the entire table is set for it to achieve a historic milestone. For us it is a final, because from here, if we advance, we go to Miami, Atlanta. The goal is New York (host of the final).”
The echo in the streets. The seller Nicolás Calixto, dressed in a jersey and scarf from El Tri, explains:
“It has already become our motto. It’s like at first doubts, but… What if it happens? The question really is, why can’t Mexico be champion?”
Younger players adopted the phrase on social networks. Even coach Javier Aguirre joked when asked: he said that he had not heard it until shortly before and that he would scold his children for not telling him.
The festive atmosphere has infected international visitors. The British Andrew Doyle, who follows the English team from Dallas, says:
“In the United States they enjoy the tournament, but in Mexico they understand the real emotion of soccer. They live it with more passion. Mexicans see this as a final and it really is. It will be the last game in Mexico and they are enjoying it to the fullest. I think they have a good chance, it will be very even.”
Midfielder Erik Lira already warned: “We are not going to settle for anything. The ceiling is very high.” An entire country bought the illusion and dyed avenues, shops and parks green.
