Mexico City ? For soccer-mad Mexicans, it was bad enough that their team was eliminated from the World Cup. More heartbreaking was the fact that the blow was delivered by the United States, which some Mexicans see as a meddlesome neighbor.

“It hurts us here,” said Jose Luis Luviano, 21, punching his chest. Tears melted the Mexican flags painted on his cheeks.

Millions of Mexicans, including President Vicente Fox and most of his Cabinet, watched Mexico’s dreams of advancing in the World Cup die Monday in a 2-0 defeat to the United States, a nation that maddeningly enough barely seems to care about soccer.

At the Yuppie’s Sports Cafe, fans stood and sang as the Mexican anthem was played. Many screamed obscenities at the “Star-Spangled Banner” signs of resentment at a wealthier, more powerful northern neighbor that Mexicans often feel treats them with disrespect.

As the game drew to an end, fans sobbed. Some hid their faces in their team jerseys.

“It hurts because it’s Mexico, but it also hurts because it’s the United States,” Luviano said.

Fox summoned almost his entire Cabinet which he repeatedly had compared to the national soccer team to watch the game, which started at 1:30 a.m. local time.

He tried to put a positive face on the loss, telling team members in a televised conversation: “In no way do we feel defeated.”

Mexican newspapers weren’t as charitable in front-page headlines that were like a bad hangover to fans who witnessed the event live.

“The MOST BITTER defeat” wailed El Universal. “It’s Over!” cried La Jornada.