MEXICO CITY: The Mexican dream at this World Cup can be summed up in a phrase: “And what if we do?” The question omits the ending — and what if we do win? — but captures the hope of two generations of Mexicans who were used to defeats and have waited 40 years to see their national team make it to the quarterfinals, something that could happen on Sunday if it beats England. The phrase — “¿Y si sí?” in Spanish — is also a chant repeated by millions of young people who now have something to believe in, unite them and fill them with excitement: a revamped team that has surprised them since the start of the tournament and remains undefeated without conceding a goal. “We’ve already broken the curse,” says Elián González, a 22-year-old nursing student. “This team has given us so much hope. There are so many young players, that’s what has given us a boost and what can take us to the final,” said the young woman from a suburb of the capital, whose mother instilled in her a passion for soccer. Analysts don’t have high expectations for Mexico to make it to the final, but fans dare to ask: What if they can? Playing at home is key On Sunday, Mexicans are ready to celebrate again in the match against England, where Mexico can match their best-ever result: from the 1986 and 1970 World Cups, both held on home soil. Mexico’s history of victories at Estadio Azteca is in its favor, as is the city’s altitude of over 2,200 meters (7,200 feet). The English team know it and have another concern: their opponent’s fans.
