Santiago Giménez dismisses 'mediocre' mentality of aiming only for fifth game

Mexico's national soccer team is determined to shatter a 40-year World Cup jinx that has seen them eliminated in the round of 16 for seven consecutive tournaments. The recent disappointment at Qatar 2022 has fueled a new mentality, with players like Santiago Giménez rejecting the notion of simply aiming for the fifth game.

Giménez, a forward, stated that focusing on reaching the fifth match represents a "mediocre mentality" and that the team must "aspire to more." This shift in philosophy signals an end to complacency and psychological barriers within the squad. Under coach Javier Aguirre, the team's character has transformed, with a newfound determination to make history.

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We are not thinking about the fifth game. That is a mediocre mentality. We have to aspire to more and we are going for it.

Despite the passionate support from fans celebrating victories, the players remain grounded. "We remain humble, we haven't won anything, there's a long way to go, and we shouldn't get arrogant in victory or dejected in defeat," said a youth academy product. Giménez, who has yet to score in three World Cup appearances, remains confident in his ability to contribute, even if he starts from the bench.

The team now has a prime opportunity to prove that their ambition for "the best World Cup in history" is more than just a motivational slogan. They aim to turn this aspiration into a tangible reality on the global stage.

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We remain humble, we haven't won anything, there's a long way to go, and we shouldn't get arrogant in victory or dejected in defeat.