FIFA: Aguirre apologizes after Mexico World Cup exit
Mexico City, July 6
Javier Aguirre apologized to Mexico's fans after his side's World Cup campaign ended with a 3-2 defeat to England in the round of 16 on Sunday.
The result ended Mexico's hopes of a first World Cup quarterfinal since 1986 and marked Aguirre's final match as head coach.
"We weren't able to give the people one more night of happiness and joy," Aguirre was quoted by Xinhua as saying. "I'd like to thank the fans who came to this stadium, the other stadiums and the fan festivals."
"The only thing I can say to the fans is I'm sorry. We left our heart and soul on the pitch."
Mexico fell behind 2-0 after Jude Bellingham struck twice in the space of three first-half minutes before Julian Quinones pulled a goal back at Mexico City Stadium.
Jarell Quansah's early second-half dismissal briefly shifted the momentum, but Harry Kane restored England's two-goal cushion from the penalty spot and Raul Jimenez's late effort from 12 yards was not enough to force extra time.
"To beat England you have to play the perfect match," Aguirre said. "We conceded twice, fought our way back and were in good spirits, but the third goal killed us. They defend very well and have a very solid squad."
"We made three mistakes tonight and we paid the price. They had four or five chances and we had seven or eight, but that means nothing. They made fewer mistakes than we did."
Aguirre led Mexico to 21 wins, eight draws and five losses after taking charge in July 2024.
He backed successor Rafael Marquez, who has served as his assistant, to lift the team to greater heights.
"I would have liked to say goodbye with a victory," Aguirre said. "It's very painful. I don't have much to say and I'm not going to make excuses. A defeat is a defeat."
"We made a couple more mistakes than England and we were doomed because of that."
Mexico had won its previous four matches in the tournament without conceding a goal. Aguirre said his players had done all they could and asked for any blame to be directed at him.
"Those 26 players made me very happy," he said. "They have to hold their heads high. If there's anyone to criticize, criticize the head coach. They left everything on the pitch."
— IANS
Reader Comments
England just have too much depth. Mexico fought hard but three defensive mistakes against a team like England is fatal. Aguirre's record of 21 wins in 34 matches is impressive though!
Respect to Aguirre for saying "criticize me, not the players". That's real coach material. Sad to see him go, but Rafael Marquez has big shoes to fill. Vamos Mexico! 🇲🇽
Mexico were unlucky with that Bellingham double strike - two goals in three minutes is brutal. But honestly, they've been fantastic this tournament. Four wins without conceding before this match is no joke.
India should take note - Mexico showed that with proper planning and a good coach, smaller football nations can compete with giants. Aguirre's tenure was excellent. Wish we had such stability in our setup! 😔⚽
Tough way to go out but Aguirre handled it with grace. The penalty from Jimenez gave them hope but England's defense was just too organized. Good luck to Mexico in 2030!
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