Mexico City: Mexico's World Cup campaign came to a painful end on Sunday as England secured a dramatic 3-2 victory at the iconic Azteca Stadium, leaving home fans devastated and bringing an end to hopes of a deep run in the tournament.
More than 80,000 supporters packed the stadium believing El Tri could continue their remarkable campaign, but the final whistle was met with silence, tears and disbelief as fans streamed out of one of world football's most historic venues.
The question that had echoed around the stadium throughout the match — “¿Y si sí?” (“What if?”) — was answered in the most painful way possible.
Heartbreak at a fortress
The defeat was especially difficult to accept given Mexico's formidable record at the Azteca, where the national team had suffered only two competitive defeats before Sunday's loss.
Despite reaching the Round of 16 without conceding a goal, Mexico were unable to capitalise after England were reduced to 10 men when Jarell Quansah was sent off in the latter stages of the match.
"The party's over," said supporter Elizabeth Marcos as she left the stadium.
"It's sad. They were down to 10 men, but that's just how it goes."
Nearby, fan Ulises Chavez leaned against a bench outside the stadium, struggling to process the result.
"It's hard to take. It's so painful," he said.
From hope to disappointment
The sense of loss extended beyond the stadium.
Thousands of supporters had gathered along Paseo de la Reforma, one of Mexico City's main avenues, watching the match on giant screens despite rainy weather.
As the final whistle sounded, celebrations gave way to disappointment, with crowds quietly dispersing through the capital.
In a poignant contrast, mariachi musicians continued playing as thousands of subdued fans headed home.
A campaign that reignited belief
For many supporters, the disappointment was intensified by how much hope the team had generated during the tournament.
Aysha Peraza, who travelled from the state of Sinaloa to Mexico City for the occasion, described the emotional swing from optimism to heartbreak.
"From early on, people were in a super good mood," she said.
"Right now, people are sad. You can feel the sadness."
Despite the defeat, she praised the team's achievements.
"Mexico made it very far, and they made us feel things we hadn't felt in a long time."
While England advance to the next stage of the World Cup, Mexico's tournament ends with a mixture of pride and heartbreak, after a campaign that briefly reignited hopes of a memorable run on home soil.