Loss to Portugal harkens back to Mexico's shoddy past

	Omar Bravo, who badly missed a penalty kick in the 57th minute against Portugal, walks off the field looking dejected. Phil Cole/Getty Images
	MAILBAG Submit a comment or question for Luis. Your name: Your e-mail address: Your home town: Enter your question:

In the 1978 World Cup, West Germany slaughtered Mexico 6-0 -- a defeat for Mexico that was sandwiched between  losses to Tunisia and Poland.

Mexico eventually turned around its World Cup misfortunes and had only suffered five defeats in 17 World Cup matches entering Germany 2006.

Ricardo Lavolpe & Co. are quickly turning the clock back to the dark days of Mexican soccer, however, times when El Tri would consistently send teams abroad to get massacred at the hands of competent soccer nations.

Mexico's 2-1 loss to Portugal on Wednesday culminated an embarrassing first round. The only bright spot for Mexico in group play came when an Iranian defender failed to properly handle a ball deep in his own area. A noble and valiant team entering the World Cup, Mexico collapsed well before the half-mile mark and enters Saturday's second-round match begging to be put out of its misery.

The 2006 El Tri is nothing short of a debauchery, an embarrassing bunch that is bringing shame to a proud nation. Mexican players have committed amateurish mistakes throughout the first round of the World Cup.

Portugal did not send out its best players in Wednesday's match. Having already qualified, Portuguese coach Luiz Felipe Scolari elected to have starters players Cristiano Ronaldo, Deco, Costinha, Pauleta and Nuno Valente watch from the sideline.

Yet needing a good showing against an undermanned Portugal side, Mexico found itself down 2-0 after 24 minutes.

Mexico's fire was absent, its passion nonexistent. There was no spark in the team. Like it has been throughout the tournament, there was no buildup, no attack from either the center of the field or both of the flanks. Mexico's lone goal came off of a set play. Francisco "Kikin" Fonseca scored on a header off a corner kick in the 29th minute, giving Mexico two set-piece goals out of four.

Shockingly, Mexico regressed throughout the Portuguese debacle. Captain Rafael Marquez, hugely popular and admired in Mexico, foolishly handled a ball inside the penalty area, setting up Simao Sabrosa's 24th minute penalty kick. Mexico was awarded a penalty kick of its own in the 57th minute, but Omar Bravo launched the ball well over the crossbar.