The Soccer Gods Hit Restart: Vamos Mexico

Mexico LOST. Wait, no, we tied. But it sure felt like a loss. Not as early as those of you in Los Angeles or Mexico but we in New York eagerly got out of beds, snatched up a cafe and headed to Queens via the 1 and 7 trains. We were welcomed by a nice amalgam of symbols of Mexican nationalism: there was the Mexicanos walking on the side walk, the dude playing his horn and singing, a barbershop called “Barbero Chicano,” clothing/sports stores with names like “Brown Pride,” “Mexican Nacion,” and countless restaurants.

 

We entered the restaurant “El Rincon” and were followed by a tall and large Mexicano in his mid twenties slapping his hands together and belting a “Si Se puede.” The leader of the porra had arrived-we followed his lead. The game started well, Mexico attacking, having several chances on goal. It quickly became half-time: still optimistic, but worried about Mexico’s inability to score and Oscar Pérez, el portero. After each badly handled corner kick, I received texts from los primos in Santa Barbara, “this fool sucks,” “I think Amanda (my sister) is taller than him (shes about 5 foot),” “wow, nutty,” and “someone get him a ladder.”

 

Shortly after the start of the second-half a through ball between to Mexican defenders placed South Africa’s forward in front of the goalie with no defenders to beat. The South African confirmed our fears. Texts from los primos ruptured the silence in the room: “shit formation. 4-3-3 is to easy to attack,” “Rafa should be in the back line,” “Bring in Hernandez. Franco ain’t doing shit,” “Since when does the national team not play good d.” Then, with a corona in hand, the large man stood and the chants started. As the minutes passed the anxiety became more palpable. It was not until a cross from the top of the 18^th placed Rafa (one of Mexico’s most consistent players and by far their best defender) in the six yard box, that the room became composed. As I clapped I desired another, but was content with the 1-1 tie. Not a win, but not a loss. More importantly a 0-0 tie between France and Uruguay places all teams in group A in a FOUR WAY tie for FIRST and LAST place with 1 point each. The soccer gods have hit the restart button, vamos Mexico. Now if only we could get Ochoa, the other goalie, to start, Rafa in the backline, a formation that is balanced, o and yes some damn balls in the back of the net. (and yes, I still think Mexico will make it to the semi finals)