Mexico’s run to gold medal game may be start of something big

Grant Wahl | SI

Earning a spot in the Olympic final is another achievement for a Mexican program that has won two Under-17 World Cups and reached the Under-20 World Cup semis in recent years. In other words, this is not your father’s Mexico. A commitment to youth development has turned El Tri into one of the most upwardly mobile teams in the world. There is skill, fight and (finally) a true winning mentality in the latest generation of Mexican players, all of which is to say: If you’re surprised when Mexico makes a deep run at World Cup 2014, you shouldn’t be. After losing to Argentina in two straight Rounds of 16, Mexico is eyeing history two years from now in Brazil.

Wouldn’t doubt it. Clearly Mexico hit the escalator last year, the point to which ascendence into dominance is not only possible but expected. No North American soccer fan can say they are surprised to see Mexico in the Gold Medal Match. No one. That is telling. 

Does anyone not think Mexico is a threat to win the 2014 World Cup in Brazil? No one. That is telling.

This tournament was supposed to be about Brazil finally getting a Gold, it in fact is a prelude to remarkable run.

What will US Soccer’s response be?