MEXICO WORLD CUP HISTORY

Despite dominating CONCACAF for more than half a century, Mexico hasn't done well at the highest levels of the world stage. The Mexicans were winless in their first thirteen matches (0-12-1), which including a World Cup record nine-game losing streak before they defeated Czechoslovakia, 3-1, in 1962 (the Czechs advanced to the championship game; the Mexicans were eliminated in the opening round). In fact, Mexico's shining moments came on home turf, reaching the quarterfinals of both Cups they have hosted -- in 1970 and 1986, with records of 2-1-1 and 3-0-2, respectively. In 1994, the Mexicans reached the second round before being eliminated in penalty kicks by Bulgaria. France '98 marked the first time in their history that Mexico qualified for the second round of a European-based World Cup. But again they stumbled, losing a 1-0 lead and eventually the game to a never-say-die German side, 2-1.