Has Mexico underachieved more than any other country?

I wouldnt say that's underachieving. That's just professional choking. Mexico hasn't even sniffed one semi-final appearance, let alone three world cup final appearances.

its comparable imo they were so good in the 1970's with Cruyff he was a magician

I way be a little biased because I fricking love the dutch teams and wish they would do better.

I think Mexico has underachieved because most of the top Mexicans don't play in Europe. Playing in Western European leagues and playing well in them ensures that the top players, and thus the national team, is exposed to European style pressing as well as the lack of space afforded in the international game. Brazil has had to deal with this recently, but as few as 10 years ago Brazilian players were on another level athletically and technically. They've also had many more successful players in Europe (and the rest of the world for that matter). Argentina and Uruguay have always styled themselves as "European" so their tactics always reflected those sensibilities. Both countries have also consistently produced players who excel in Europe. Mexico won't be successful until they realize their players must leave the country in order to gain the necessary experience to play well internationally.

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I think Uruguay has overachieved the most. A population of around 3 million with a top 10 worldwide resume.

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True, but the Dutch style has won out, influencing these Barca teams and the Spanish NT. Most of Uruguay's success was before the game became global, and outside of their recent form, they've been middling on the world stage. Still they have their history to hang their hat on, but what the Dutch do in Europe is more impressive.

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You may also notice, that very few of El Tri's player fit the skin color mold of what we as Americans consider "Mexican". Most of their players come from the "white" upper classes of Mexican society, rather than from the barrios. Carlos Salcido is one of the few dark-skinned Mexicans that I recall playing recently

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Solid point. Mexico has become an economic power rather recently, and still has wide income disparity. The absence of a large middle class means that they don't have access to a majority of their player pool, who simply won't be afforded the time or the proper nutrition and medicine to become elite athletes.

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I think Mexico has underachieved because most of the top Mexicans don't play in Europe. Playing in Western European leagues and playing well in them ensures that the top players, and thus the national team, is exposed to European style pressing as well as the lack of space afforded in the international game

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this issue with that is the mexican league pays so well, these guys don't see the need to go over to europe

Also, let's not forget that the FMF is corrupt as shite. That can't be helping.

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which makes me wonder how Brazil does so much better at finding these poor kids and turning them into superstars. Lots of their stars have come from poor sections of Brazilian cities haven't they?

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Simply put, soccer is an escape from poverty for these kids. Sometimes it's extreme poverty, ie their parents aren't sure they will be able to feed them from day to day. If a Brazilian kid shows he is talented enough to secure a spot at an academy, then he knows he has food, shelter, etc for as long as he can stay there. Sad, but true, and it probably helps the Brazilian NT in a way.