CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – It is certainly not the worst byline to have right now, although obviously not the ideal one. Yes, like most of you, I would rather be sipping caiprinhas while overlooking the waters of the Atlantic. Instead, I'll be downing ice cold Lone Stars while eating yummy fried shrimp overlooking the sediment ridden brown waters of Nueces Bay.
Every four years, it is the same story for me. As a fan of Mexico, I cannot have it any other way. Apparently, I won't have any other way. The enabler in me has forgiven the Tri and all its peccadilloes after yet another self-inflicted, painful qualifying campaign. I will overlook all of the ridiculous decisions made for all the wrong reasons by the federation. For the next two weeks, at least, Mexico will be in the hunt.
And then it will be over. All over. And the wait will begin anew. There is no doubt in that. When will it end, though? Some expect Mexico to crash out in the group stage, others see Mexico getting to that elusive 5th game. So the conventional wisdom says another pass to the knockouts, and another exit in the round of 16. Again. For the 6th time in a row.
The thing is, Mexico enters this tournament as an unknown quantity. It has been a long time since Mexico was this volatile, this unpredictable. Who the hell knows what is going to happen.
Being a Mexico fan is like that one crazy girl you once dated. You know the one I'm talking about. There are a lot of good times, but an equal amount of BS. And at some point the BS outweighs the good.
And the enabler in me still hasn't found that threshold. Because here I am again, sweating, wishing I hadn't given up smoking, hoping, wishing, praying….
And I will do it all over again for Russia18, and Qatar22, Spain26….
Enjoy the cup.