SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- The theme for Mexico fans around Levi's Stadium before Saturday's 0-0 draw against Chile was No Era Penal.
The phrase -- 'It wasn't a penalty' in English -- caught on quickly after Arjen Robben's theatrics helped the Netherlands to victory in the Round of 16 match in Brazil and sent Mexico crashing out at that stage of the World Cup for the sixth consecutive time.
All around the stadium in Santa Clara, No Era Penal T-shirts were worn, hats paraded and homemade flags flown.
The wound from the World Cup exit is obviously still raw for the fans, but Mexico must move on as a team, and they did so with a solid display against Chile in a game that pitted two intense teams that hassled and harried the opposition and passed the ball with aplomb.
Mexico played in a similar way as at the World Cup, but there was a gaping hole for El Tri: Rafa Marquez, ironically the player who stuck his foot out and gave Robben the opportunity to exaggerate his fall and win the penalty.
The 35-year-old has been an overpowering figure in Mexican football for well over a decade, and in Brazil, Marquez became the first player ever to captain a side at four consecutive World Cups.
With the national team, teammates would call him El Patron, while in Leon he was known by his fellow players as El Kaiser. That gives a little insight into the respect with which he is and was held.
Marquez's future with the national team is unknown, but it inconceivable he will be in Russia -- at least in a playing capacity. It's also difficult to see Marquez wanting to make the long trip from Europe to feature for Mexico on a regular basis.
Marquez's time has passed, and coach Miguel Herrera needs new leaders to emerge.
Francisco 'Maza' Rodriguez declined the captaincy, according to Herrera, so the one who best fits the bill was Andres Guardado, and the coach gave him the first shot at wearing the armband against Chile.
The Guadalajara native completed 100 caps ahead of Brazil 2014, has experience at three World Cups and has played in Europe for seven years. He makes a strong case.
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On Saturday, Guardado didn't have his best game, but he did try to impose himself and was constantly giving instructions to the other members of the team. He also spoke ahead of the match about how he will look to guide the youngsters and thanked Herrera for the opportunity.
In training, Guardado jokes around and is clearly one of the guys. You can imagine him being a principle practical joker among the squad. He speaks well, is forthright in his views -- especially about more Mexicans playing in Europe -- and is witty.
The potential problem with Guardado, however, is there is no guarantee he will stay a starter. It shouldn't be forgotten that it was only Luis Montes' unfortunate injury that opened the door to Guardado starting at the World Cup, and the former Atlas player had an awful qualification campaign.
Guardado is no Marquez or Claudio Suarez. Mexico doesn't seem to have another one of those at present. They both oozed leadership and carried themselves in a different manner to their teammates.
So while Guardado has the credentials on paper, Herrera would be wise to take his time choosing a permanent captain and trying out the likes of Guillermo Ochoa, Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez and Hector Moreno.
With no ideal candidate, what Mexico needs moving forward is for Guardado -- or whoever is given the job on a permanent basis -- not to be left alone. Giovani dos Santos, Hector Herrera, Ochoa, Hernandez and Guardado have plenty of experience now between them and should take increasing responsibility in the team.
It's all part of the gradual shift from one generation to another that comes after World Cups, and if it goes well, should lead to Mexico not allowing refereeing decisions to impact a run at the later stages of the competition next time.
Notes
Mexico arrived in Denver on Sunday afternoon for Tuesday's clash at Dick's Sporting Goods Parks without Francisco Rodriguez and Giovani dos Santos, who were both substituted off with injuries Saturday evening.
There should be news on both on Monday, with Rodriguez's injury a "knock," according to Herrera, and Dos Santos' potentially more serious.
There were no replacements called up, and the squad is due to train Monday with just 20 players.