Mexico's performance sums up the highs and lows of the World Cup.
They put in some good performances to head off Italy and claim top spot in the group phase.
I thought they may struggle, but they were strong at the back, productive up front and had the added extra of Cuauhtemoc Blanco who sparked moments of magic and kept them going in the right direction.
But in the second round they ended up going down a cul-de-sac, unable to find a way past the USA's brick wall of a defence.
Losing to the States must have been the worst possible way to leave the competition for the Mexicans - especially when they must have been fancying their chances as others dropped by the wayside.
And to add insult to injury their chances weren't helped by another dubious refereeing decision. Like many teams at this World Cup, they will reflect on it with a rueful smile, thinking "if only".