Jaime Camil, Presenter, Actor, Singer. This is how you would describe an icon of Mexico. He talks to FIFAworldcup.com about the German World Cup.

Did you see the match?
Yes, I saw the first half in a restaurant, and the second half in the (Mexican television network) Televisa studios, because we’re working there at the moment and they gave us permission to stop filming and watch the match.

What did you think of the game?
We were very sad because Mexico did really well and played some quality football. The referee didn’t do us any favours, but in any case when you get a great goal like the one Maxi Rodriguez scored there’s nothing you can do. It was a magnificent strike. After that, Mexico had to push on to try to get the draw and force a penalty shoot-out, at least. The team made it possible, and they kept on attacking, but unfortunately we couldn’t get the equaliser.

Did the attitude of the team surprise you?
Yes, they were definitely better, more aggressive than in the group games. They went out to win because the draw was no good. They had to go out there to give it their best shot but in the end we couldn’t quite do it. Mexico played skilful football, it was a real shame. It’s a pity that the team don’t show that kind of spirit all of the time. They are inconsistent.

What would you say to the players?
They have done well, but I think that the Mexican mentality has to change and we have to demand more from our sportsmen. My mother is Brazilian and over there if the team don’t come back with the Trophy, even if they finish second, it’s considered a failure.
In Mexico, if the team gets through to the Round of 16, and if they win their first game, there’s a party. We shouldn’t be so tolerant. Right now, getting to the Round of 16 is nothing to celebrate. We have to demand that the team go further in the competition.

But with a wonder goal like Maxi Rodriguez’s, there is little you can do…
With a goal like that, you put it in a frame and keep it for posterity. When you concede such an amazing goal, there’s nothing you can do. Even so, Mexico should have pushed harder to get an equaliser and take the game to a penalty shoot-out. We’ve got a great goalkeeper, perhaps the penalty takers aren’t so good, but with all the adrenalin of the competition, we would have had a chance.

Which team will you be supporting now?
I will support Brazil and I hope that they win their sixth World Cup. I’ll also keep an eye out for Spain, because I’ve got a lot of Spanish friends.

Which teams have caught your eye?
Spain could spring a surprise, definitely. I think it’s about time that they did something. They’ve got a great team, very strong, and they could use that to their advantage. There’s Germany as well. Obviously they’ve got home advantage, and playing against a whole country isn’t easy for any opponent.

What is your prediction for the Final?
Everybody is hoping for Brazil against Germany. It would be fantastic.

Which was the first FIFA World Cup that you followed?
Mexico in 1986. I was very young, but I followed it fanatically.

Source: WCoffsite