Football is a losing game

“Football is a losing game” sets a reflective tone around the World Cup’s Round of 16 match between England and Mexico, highlighting how a single night can dominate collective memory. The author recalls the morning of 6 July (with the match played in Mexico City at 1am BST and 2,240 metres above sea level) as an atmosphere of exhaustion and shared excitement. The game began after electric storms delayed kickoff by an hour, and the match featured heavy emotional swings, including Mexico’s intense anthem delivery and frequent “¡Olé!” celebrations. England led through phases of controlled possession and a burst in passing, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice. A red card for England defender Jarell Quansah and multiple penalties, including one for Mexico, shaped the second half, though the article cuts off before the full conclusion.