After 32 years of trying, can Mexico finally reach the quinto partido?

There is reason to believe that Mexican football is progressing.

More than ever before, El Tri now has valuable European representation from a number of individuals who play abroad. Of Mexico's 23 men that have made the flight to Russia, 11 are currently in contract with a European club. In fact, that number extends to 16 if you include others that have already gained experience from the Old Continent.

Within that group of 16, names such as Javier Hernandez, Hirving Lozano, Hector Herrera, and Andres Guardado have all shown the heights that can be achieved by Mexican talent.

At youth level, there are also clear signs of another promising generation. Countless Mexican stars-in-the-making are beginning to make a name for themselves. For example, in the recent 2018 Toulon Tournament in France, El Tri's under-21 squad was able to showcase the nation's potential with an impressive spot at second place in the competition.

Along with the intriguing growth of the Liga MX, it's fair to say that the country has shown significant improvement and development over the last 20 years.

And yet, when it comes to accomplishments in the World Cup, things have remained frustratingly stagnant.

Since 1994, El Tri has finished every World Cup at the exact same spot: The round of 16. Despite the fact that Mexico found a way outside of the group stage in the last six tournaments, an inevitable finish in the first knockout round has gradually built up pain and unease for Mexico aficionados.

Due to the fact that the script has strangely remained the same since the 1990s, many supporters believe that Mexico is cursed. For fans, there is a constant worry that El Tri will never reach the mythical quinto partido.

The quinto partido, or the fifth game, represents the holy grail of Mexican football. If El Tri can find a way to play that fifth match in a World Cup, that would then mean a spot in the quarter-final stage - something the team hasn't achieved since 1986.

So for the millions back home watching with bated breath, their hopes and dreams hang on one question: Can Mexico finally break that streak?

That all depends on who you ask.

Heading into the World Cup, a strong majority of fans have little-to-no faith in manager Juan Carlos Osorio. Due to his infamous player rotation strategy and lack of success in major tournaments, the Colombian is undoubtedly a polarising figure for El Tri supporters.

Regardless of Osorio, there is also the case of injuries to consider. Following the unfortunate absences of Diego Reyes and Nestor Araujo, Mexico is now quite thin when it comes to options in the backline. Another additional injury setback in defense would be enough to ruin the squad's chances of reaching that quinto partido.

However, it isn't all doom and gloom for Mexico over the next few weeks. There are positives that must be considered.

Although Osorio has yet to win a title since taking charge in October 2015, the manager did prove to be near-perfect in World Cup qualifying. In CONCACAF's final round of qualifying, Osorio and Mexico dominated the six-team Hexagonal with a noteworthy spot at first place. Were it not for a 3-2 loss in the final matchday against Honduras, El Tri would have gone through the 10-game Hexagonal run without a single defeat.

The manager's style of play should be brought up as well. Typically showcased through a 4-3-3 or 3-3-1-3, Osorio loves to pressure opponents and utilise an attack-minded approach. There are risks involved with this game plan, but if Mexico hopes to make that quinto partido, gambles will need to be made.

Lastly and perhaps most importantly, Osorio also has the trust of his squad.

In spite of the countless fans and members of the media that paint him as an unpredictable mad scientist, his players have regularly backed him. Whether it be through a veteran like Rafael Marquez, or an up-and-coming talent such as Lozano, there's no shortage of praise for the Colombian head coach from his players.

Speaking of which, when looking at the positives, we can't overlook the skillful options that Osorio has at his disposal.

Following a title-winning season as Porto's team captain, Herrera is set to be a game-changer in Mexico's midfield. Well-rounded and with an eye for accurate distribution, the 28-year-old has the capabilities to be a standout player in the World Cup.

Elsewhere in the attack, winger Lozano is easily one of the breakout player candidates of Russia 2018. Blessed with pace, incredible ball control and a powerful shot, the 22-year-old PSV Eindhoven star will be a threat to any defender in Russia.

Of course, no discussion of Mexican players would be complete without at least a mention for "Chicharito" Hernandez. Thanks to his world-class finishing, the striker will be positioned as El Tri's focal point in the final third.

Guillermo Ochoa, Carlos Vela, Guardado, Miguel Layun, and a handful of other players will also be key in Mexico's much-desired journey out of the group stage. Keeping in mind that a majority of the players are at or near the peak of their careers, it's safe to assume that several members of El Tri will also be highly motivated to take advantage of what might be their last World Cup.

Although it's justifiable to anticipate a loss to Germany, Mexico is still expected to surpass South Korea and Sweden. On paper, a ticket to the knockout round will then likely be settled in the final group-stage clash between Sweden and El Tri. If Mexico struggles and is then pushed out during the group stage, there's no hesitation to state that it would be a failure for all involved.

At the very least, the round of 16 will be the minimum goal for Osorio and his men. As for the quinto partido, that will unquestionably be the ideal target and dream for the aforementioned millions of fans.

Can El Tri pull this off?

With plenty of trust from his experienced and capable squad, Osorio has a decent chance to help Mexico thrive in Russia. With a number of intriguing attacking options, the manager should have no problems finding the back of the net.

However, El Tri also has defensive deficiencies that could hinder any kind of success. Skeptics of the manager would also be quick to point out that Osorio has yet to properly restrain his rotations that can be excessive in a tournament.

Whether Osorio will prove his doubters wrong, or whether Mexico will finally make that next step on the international stage, remains to be seen.

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)