Quinto Partido

Words: Christian Wise

Images: Christian Wise

As Oasis's "Wonderwall" began playing on the Telemundo broadcast, the thousands of El Tri supporters that packed the Plaza Mexico watch party in the Los Angeles suburb of Lynwood, California had already begun filing out.

England had just won at Estadio Azteca, sending Mexico home in the Round of 32 for the ninth time in their World Cup history.

It's been 40 years since Mexico last made a World Cup quarterfinal, a wall that has been difficult to break through.

For the more than 5,000 fans at the Lynwood watch party and the millions of Mexicans and Mexican-Americans across Los Angeles, the curse and reality of 'Quinto Partido' hit once again.

But it also re-ignited a dream.

Throughout El Tri's World Cup campaign, the Mexican community across Los Angeles got to dream again.

From shutting streets down in Boyle Heights to Koreatown to Lynwood, people proudly wore the green kits; one couldn't go an hour without seeing one.

The people had the chance to showcase unity and strength this last month, thanks to the beautiful game.

It may be four more years before Mexico has another chance to break the curse of 'Quinto Partido', but when 2030 comes around, it will be another opportunity for the passion and dreams to shine for the world to see

©Christian Wise/ Terrace Edition. Souvenir shop. California.

©Christian Wise/ Terrace Edition. Mexico fans.

©Christian Wise/ Terrace Edition. Mexico-England watching.

©Christian Wise/ Terrace Edition. Mexico fans.

©Christian Wise/ Terrace Edition. Mexico fans.

©Christian Wise/ Terrace Edition. Mexico fan.

©Christian Wise/ Terrace Edition. Mexico fan.

©Christian Wise/ Terrace Edition. Mexico fans.

©Christian Wise/ Terrace Edition. Mexico fans.

Christian is on Instagram: @christianxwise