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 teams players confidence that they could reach the quarterfinals in Russia or perhaps beyond.
I dont know if weve sent a message to other teams, but internally weve spread a clear message that that we can, and are completely capable of competing with anyone, defender Miguel Layun said after training Monday. It helps us to know were 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 London Olympics in London.
Coming into Russia, fans didnt have big hopes for the teams chances of going far in the World Cup. But that changed overnight with Sundays victory.
The feeling is indescribable because no one really expected much from us. I think were the only ones who believed in ourselves, midfielder Jonathan Dos Santos said. We have made history in a way that no one ever has. Starting out on the right foot was good for us, and theres a long way to go, but were doing well.
Mexico hasnt made it past the second round since the 1986 World Cup, when it hosted the tournament and reached the quarterfinals. This generation of Mexican footballers, however, is the first to have 15 players from leagues outside their home country, and insists that it can make it to the quarterfinals or even further.
El Tri has never had so many players from foreign leagues, besides its squad in South Africa in 2010, which had nine. That year, Mexico was knocked out by Argentina in the round of 16.
We didnt come to Russia just to beat Germany and go home. We hope to beat South Korea and leave all negativity in the past, said forward Javier Hernandez, referring to Mexicos next match in Rostov on Saturday. We have the mindset to achieve. Yesterday was just a first step on the way to the final.
