FIFA World Cup: The FIFA World Cup has been a source of both pride and sadness for Mexico

However, the latter have been advancing to the round of 16 since 1994 and have won twice, unlike Mexico, which would crash out immediately after reaching the knockouts.

The bittersweet legacy left behind by Mexico have bred criticism and unrest in the country. The relationship between the team and the national news media is now strained. 

Because of Mexico's infamous World Cup elimination at the knockouts, the term "the curse of the fifth game" soon came into existence. Former Mexico forward Carlos Veya stated, "There is always that pressure of people always talking about 'that fifth game, that fifth game,' and it gets stuck in your head,"

Before the World Cup matches, it wouldn't be uncommon to hear comments about "the game we can never get past," Carlos Veya added. Even their campaign in Qatar wasn't spared. 

Despite beating Saudi Arabia at the group stage, they failed to advance to the knockouts this year. Mexican forward Raul Jimenez, who plays for Premier League club Wolves, decided to talk about the criticism hurled at their coach Gerardo Martino aka Tata.

"We've been with Tata for four years," he said. "We know him well, his style of play and what he wants from us. All we have to do is put it to work on the field and win the fourth game."

Then why is winning the fourth game a problem?

Mexican players have hinted that their inability to fare well at the World Cup is because of their state of mind and poor timing. "We haven't been mentally strong in decisive and important moments," said former forward Luis Hernandez. 

Midfielder Hector Herrera said that the team lacked "a little luck and mindset" during their 2018 campaign. Mexico beat Germany and South Korea in the first two matches but concluded their group stage with a crushing 3-0 loss to Sweden.

Mexico were pitted against Brazil in the knockout round, and they were eliminated with a 2-0 loss. Mexico's goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa said they missed crucial details like inattention to a throw-in, a momentary defensive lapse or an off-target pass.

In other editions, Mexico faced Argentina (2006 and 2010), the Netherlands (2014), and Germany (1998), which continued their run of second-round exits.

Interestingly, the year 2002 would have ended differently for Mexico. They won the group stage with seven points but ultimately lost to the United States. 

Did Mexico ever taste success in the World Cup?

Mexico have had brief doses of success in the World Cup. They entered the quarterfinals in 1970 and 1986. However, both editions were held on home soil, meaning they have not had much luck in away games.

Mexico have a winning record overall under coach Tata. Still, their inability to perform at the World Cup has initiated an outrage among Mexican fans and commentators who want him fired.

"There is no country in the world that keeps so much pressure on a national team coach," said former coach Juan Carlos Osorio. Before Mexico's opening match against Poland this year, Tata was enquired about the team's lack of intensity, which made him uncomfortable.

In 2018, Mexico's soccer federation and Osorio signed a mental coach ahead of their trip to Russia for the squad's mental well-being. However, it didn't bear significant results. 

Now, Ochoa believes that they should address their issues instead of crumbling against the pressure that comes with every World Cup tournament.