U-20 World Cup: Why Mexico's Performance Was a Success

After 34 years, Mexico reached the semifinal of the U-20 World Cup. The first time the squad did so was in 1977, the inaugural edition of the tournament. The team's qualification wasn't much of a surprise and didn't catch the eye of media or fans, at least not until the round of 16.

During the group stage Mexico didn't show much. A 1-0 defeat against Argentina was the first indicator that these players weren't the U-17 squad that claimed the World Cup earlier in July, even when people wanted to think so.

Then came North Korea, who is not the strongest opponent, but certainly the one that gave confidence. After a shaky first half in which Mexico was winning 1-0 after Yong-Choi's own goal, the squad came back re-energized for the last 45 minutes. Taufic Guarch and Diego De Buen scored to put things 3-0.

El Tri needed to win or tie against England to qualify for the round of 16, which they did, with lots of effort.

The real deal was here, but the U-20 squad had a long way to go to accomplish the same success as the U-17 team. The match against Cameron was physically tough and after a 1-1 tie in regular time, the overtime came. Exhaustion became a factor and the match went onto the penalty shootout. Mexico scored three times, different from the indomitable Lions that couldn't convert even once.

Hopes were high, but this time El Tri had to face the host, Colombia. During the first 30 minutes, Los Cafeteros pushed and attacked constantly. It was just a matter of time until they got the first goal, but surprisingly it was Mexico that went ahead with a penalty kick.

Colombia came to the second half with the tribune's full support and Duván Zapata struck the tying goal at 60. But Mexico wasn't defeated, and nine minutes later Rivera gave back the lead to the team—and scored again at minute 88 to bury the host's hopes.

El Tri was about to face the toughest challenge in the semifinals: Brazil. La Verdeamarela threatened constantly with a powerful midfield and a quick offense, led by Inter's Phillippe Coutinho and Sao Paulo's Herinque.

Mexico wasn't ready to leave the World Cup and fought with all it had during 75 minutes, but missed two clear goal opportunities, while Brazil took advantage of Dudu's skills. Henrique missed a header at 78, but a minute later he sent the ball to the back of the net. He repeated the doses at 84, leaving El Tri out of the competition.

Sadness and amazement were visible in Mexican players, but they achieved something no other national squad had done in over three decades. They also showed that the new generations have talent, which puts them in stellar position to become tomorrow's figures.

Today, Mexico's first team needs young blood. Márquez, Salcido, Rodríguez and Torrado, to name a few, won't make it to Brazil 2014. So don't be surprised when Araujo, Enríquez, Orrantía and some others from the U-17 squad make their debut with the first team. Let's face it, it’s just a matter of time.