Mexico eyeing history in round of 16 clash with Brazil

Mexico captain Andres Guardado was straightforward in discussing El Tri's round of 16 match against Brazil.

"We came here to make history," the 31-year-old veteran said Friday. "And it is in our hands."

Although his comments regarding Neymar in the same press conference earned much more attention - especially after he said the Brazilian "likes to exaggerate fouls" - the bigger talking point should be the significance of Monday's match, which the midfielder called the "game of our lives."

Looking at Mexico's current roster, it's easy to understand why Monday's match means so much to the national team. For Rafael Marquez, Carlos Vela, Javier Hernandez, and Guardado, among others, this World Cup will likely be their last. As one of the oldest squads in the tournament, El Tri has an experienced yet ageing golden generation that needs to make the most of this summer.

Taking a step further back, Monday's result could also prove to be the most significant in the history of Mexican soccer.

Some may argue that El Tri's quarterfinal appearances in the 1970 and 1986 World Cups are just as momentous, along with the 1999 Confederations Cup title, but it's important to note that all three took place on home soil. As for the 2012 Olympic title in London, while compelling, it featured a majority of U23 players. (Oddly enough, that final from six years ago just so happened to be against Brazil.)

No result would be more important than a win against the South American giants on Monday. If El Tri can defeat Brazil, the current title favourites, it would be nothing short of incredible for Mexican soccer. As opposed to qualifying for the quarterfinal stage on home soil, Mexico would prove the national team can thrive outside its North American bubble. No longer a big fish in a CONCACAF-sized pond, El Tri could demonstrate to the world the progress it has made in recent years.

A win would also end the infamous "quinto partido" curse. After dropping out of the round of 16 in the last six World Cup tournaments, El Tri would snap a streak that stretches back to 1994. (If Mexico finds a way past Brazil, the national team would play a fifth game in Russia - hence, the quinto partido.)

Of course, this is all much easier said than done, especially considering the defensive worries manager Juan Carlos Osorio must deal with.

Before the World Cup, key central defenders Nestor Araujo and Diego Reyes were dropped after suffering injuries. Hector Moreno's suspension for the upcoming match gives Osorio an even bigger line-up headache.

El Tri's backline is an obvious weak link. Without the likes of Moreno, Mexico's manager will be left scrambling to patch up a defence that already features problematic options. In the 3-0 loss against Sweden, young standouts such as Jesus Gallardo and Edson Alvarez proved to be vulnerable as the fullbacks. In the centre of the backline, meanwhile, it's agonising for fans to imagine backups such as Hugo Ayala or Rafael Marquez playing alongside Carlos Salcedo.

Brazil has started to gain momentum after a poor start to the tournament, and it wouldn't be shocking if the South American squad exercises its full capabilities Monday. The idea of Neymar, Coutinho, and Willian challenging El Tri's inconsistent defence should be enough to give Mexico supporters nightmares.

And Osorio's attack has been far from perfect. In the defeat by Sweden, talents such as Carlos Vela and Hirving Lozano were easily contained by an aggressive, physical approach. It's also no secret that El Tri's finishing hasn’t been at its best in recent weeks.

However, a Mexico win isn't impossible, despite the debacle against Sweden.

Osorio and his men have showcased El Tri's potential to be a dark horse in Russia. In the final third, there's reason to believe that a quick and creative attack can compensate for any defensive mistakes. Assuming Brazil wants to push forward, Osorio's attack should get plenty of space to once again create deadly counters.

And while the odds favour Brazil, if there's one thing we've learned in this World Cup, it's that no team is impervious. Having already seen a number of staggering results and narrowly averted disasters, we can't rule out Mexico's chances of making history just yet.