Mexico's World Cup party ends in tears after England defeat

Mexico's World Cup dream dissolved into heartbreak at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday, as a 3-2 defeat to England extinguished home fans' hopes of a deep tournament run. The iconic venue, usually a fortress for 'El Tri,' witnessed a somber exodus of supporters, many in tears, as the roar of over 80,000 fans fell silent.

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The party's over. It's sad, they were down to 10 men... but that’s just how it goes.

The question that had resonated throughout the match, "¿Y si sí?" (What if?), was brutally answered. "The party's over," lamented Elizabeth Marcos, reflecting the collective disappointment. "It's sad, they were down to 10 men... but that’s just how it goes." The loss came after Mexico had advanced to the round of 16 without conceding a goal, only to be eliminated by an England side that played the final third with a man advantage after Jarell Quansah's red card.

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It's hard to take, it's so painful.

Ulises Chavez, leaning against a bench near the exit, echoed the sentiment: "It's hard to take, it's so painful." Along Reforma avenue, where thousands had gathered to watch on giant screens, the mood was subdued. An upbeat mariachi band's music contrasted sharply with the heavy heartbreak felt by fans like Aysha Peraza, who traveled from Sinaloa. "From early on, the people were in a super good mood," Peraza said. "Right now, people are sad, you can feel the sadness." She added, "Mexico made it very far... And, well, they made us feel things we hadn't felt in a long time."

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From early on, the people were in a super good mood. Right now, people are sad, you can feel the sadness.

Amidst the disappointment, coach Javier Aguirre backed former captain Rafa Marquez to take over the reins. Aguirre, who had already announced his departure post-tournament, believes Marquez is ready to continue the work that restored belief during Mexico's deepest World Cup run in 40 years. "I would have liked to say goodbye to my people with a victory. That hurts," Aguirre told reporters. "We tried." He leaves with pride, highlighting the squad's unity and the rekindled connection with supporters. "These players made me very happy. We recovered the sense of belonging and the identity of this team," he stated. Aguirre expressed confidence in Marquez, saying, "He is more than capable, and he will do better than me."

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Mexico made it very far. And, well, they made us feel things we hadn't felt in a long time.