The history of
5
for
Mexico’s Marquez
Unforgettable night in Moscow
The 39-year-old Rafa comes on as substitute in a rousing 1-0 defeat of Germany to become the 3rd player to play at 5 FIFA World Cups.
Lothar Matthaeus and goalkeeper Antonio Carbajal are the other names in the historic pantheon of iron men.
It is a very special day for me. After losing my father and how hard it's been for me to get to this point. However, I've done it with my head up and I've added my small contribution to the greater success of this team.
Rafael Marquez, Mexico Captain
Eternal Captain
His remarkable run has included a vital leadership role and early round success. He has captained them past the group stage on every occasion.
But the curse of El Quinto Partido (“The fifth match”) – the name Mexico has given to their inability to make it to a World Cup quarter-final since 1986 – has made his Mundial history a mixed bag.
Highs...
Just 23-years-old, Rafa was handed the Captain's armband for the first time, along with a start in every match. Mexico topped a group that included Italy, Croatia and Ecuador.
Lows...
In a Round of 16 match against bitter rivals USA, he received a red card in the 88th minute of the 2-0 loss. His only red card at a World Cup to date.
Dream deferred
After playing in all three group stage matches, he led El Tri into a Round of 16 meeting with Argentina. Marquez scored on the night, but so did Argentina's Hernán Crespo and Maxi Rodríguez in extra time.
Argentina again...
Marquez scored a goal to salvage a 1-1 draw with hosts South Africa in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup, but there would also be another Round of 16 exit, again at the feet of Argentina.
WATCH
After surviving a group with hosts Brazil, Croatia and Cameroon, Marquez and Mexico again went into the knockout stages full of optimism. But two very late goals from the Netherlands doomed them to another second round exit.
What to expect next?
To date, Marquez has never left the World Cup at the group stage, and after three points against the Germans in Mexico's opening game, expectations are again high.
The Germany game out of the way, Mexico next face Sweden and Korea Republic with an eye on another knockout stage. Can they get there, and can they get to the fifth match?