What if we shouted some clearly offensive term or phrase like - 'All Mexicans are corrupt' at the next soccer match. What would be reported and what would the world sentiment be (should we even care). But, why is this behavior tolerable? And when coupled with shooting at American border guards, beheadings, and daily violations of US and international laws ....
I suppose it would be an entirely different situation if Osama had flown aircraft into buildings in Mexico City ... which would have been too difficult, understandably so, causing Osama to give up and try for the US again.
Mexican Fans Boo Anthem, Shout "Osama!"
Monday, March 28, 2005
MEXICO CITY -- Mexico topped the United States 2-1 and the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying group on Sunday, and upheld its 71-year unbeaten record at home against the Americans.
Prolific striker Jared Borgetti and Antonio Naelson scored four minutes apart in the first half, and the United States could only reply through Eddie Lewis in the 59th, the first U.S. goal in Mexico since 1984. Mexico made up for the Americans' superior size by outhustling the visitors on both sides of the ball, said Mexico coach Ricardo Lavolpe.
"We were always taking the initiative," said Lavolpe, who received a congratulatory call from President Vicente Fox. "For 90 minutes there was only one team on the field."
The crowd booed the U.S. national anthem and a spattering of fans chanted "Osama! Osama!" before play started, and shortly after Lewis' goal.
Mexico had implored its fans to be patient after only one win against the Americans in the last eight matches, and they had little to worry about as the home side dominated.
"We took the field strong and used our advantages to get a win we needed," Borgetti said.
Francisco Fonseca advanced from the right corner to draw the defense, and left the ball for Salvador Carmona, who fed Jaime Lozano. His headed cross found Borgetti just in front of the left post, and Borgetti's own header beat U.S. goalkeeper Kasey Keller in the 30th.
"It was a play where we were pushing for a goal that we executed well," Borgetti said. "It was an important first step."
With the U.S. defense still unsettled, Cuauhtemoc Blanco laced a looping pass to Borgetti, and he headed a cross to a streaking Antonio Nelson, who had little trouble besting Keller one-on-one from 11 yards out.
The deafening and rabidly nationalistic celebrations in 100,000-seat Azteca Stadium, at near capacity, didn't stop when Lavolpe was expelled for arguing in the 41st minute. He received a standing ovation from many while being escorted off the field.
U.S. captain Landon Donovan controlled the ball and drew pressure from inside the box before flicking to Lewis, who shot around Carmona and just inside the right post to cut the lead in half in the 59th.
But that was as much as the United States had to offer for the rest of the half, as Mexico pinned the Americans on their heels.
U.S. coach Bruce Arena said the 7,200-foot (2,195-meter) altitude hurt his team, even though it prepared in the mountain air of Colorado.
"Our players shut down the last 15 minutes of the first half, and that cost us the game," he said. "They were completely done at the 30-minute mark, obviously recovered a bit at halftime, and were able to play a little bit better in the second half."
The Easter Sunday win ended Mexico's recent futility against the United States - the Americans entered with a 6-1-1 record against their southern neighbors, allowing just one goal in the last seven matches. It also ensured Mexico was still an impregnable fortress to U.S. soccer - with 22 wins and one draw since 1934.
"When they got the first one in, I think we just died a little," Donovan said. "I would like to play them anywhere but here."
The result also helped the home team earn partial revenge for a 2-0 loss to the U.S. team in the second round of the 2002 World Cup, a game in South Korea that shattered Mexican fans' pride.
Mexico also ended both the Americans' 16-game unbeaten streak overall and their 31-game streak without a loss to regional rivals.
"The team is happy with the win but we don't have much time to celebrate," said Rafael Marquez, the Mexican captain.
Mexico leaves on Monday for Panama, where El Tri play their next match on Wednesday.
About 100 people gathered for a peaceful celebration near Mexico City's Angel of Independence monument following the game. A few tried to burn a small American flag but ended up trampling on it.
After two rounds, Mexico had six points, Guatemala four, Costa Rica and the Americans three each, Panama one, and Trinidad and Tobago none. The top three go to the 2006 finals in Germany, and the fourth to a playoff against an Asian nation.
Also on Wednesday, the United States faces Guatemala, and Trinidad and Tobago take on Costa Rica.
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