Fantastic Mexico waves farewell
- 25 Jun 06, 01:19 AM
LEIPZIG - Mexico departed the World Cup after their to Argentina on Saturday evening.
But they gave one of the favourites a real run for their money and their fans stopped the traffic - literally.
I was on a packed tram on my way to the ground - with so many Mexico supporters on board we were all jammed in like tinned sardines.
All of them were in absolutely fantastic voice. It was as though, deep down, the Mexicans realised this would be their final hurrah in the tournament.
It was not that long after Germany had defeated Sweden and the roads alongside the tram lines were packed with cars from which people waved the host nation's flags, banged their horns and generally engaged in other forms of universal football euphoria.
The tram full of Mexicans was clearly an unusual and attractive sight for the people of Leipzig and those in their cars soon started egging on the Mexicans.
Alas, some took it too far and as I watched, one driver encouraged the Mexican fans to sing louder and louder, and it suddenly dawned on me that the person behind the wheel had lost all sense of the mounting queue of traffic in front.
Needless to say the whole episode ended with a significant crunch as she ran in to the back of the now stationary car in front of her. The cars might have stopped but the tram rolled on and I have no idea what happened next.
That said, the driver did not seem to be going fast enough to cause any major damage but it was highly amusing and the Mexicans did not stop laughing until they reached the stadium.
Ricco is quite right when he pointed out that Leipzig on Saturday afternoon was a celebration of German triumph.
It was a teeming mass of humanity and it is difficult to describe how the combination of so many locals combined with thousands upon thousands of fans in Leipzig for the evening game made for such energy and life.
Wandering around the cramped streets I struggled to absorb all the colour and noise - I felt like a child from the country visiting a big city for the first time.
The Mexicans fans played a huge part in this, singing their songs and wearing traditional clothing. There was a huge sense of vibrancy about the place.
After taking a look around the stadium before kick-off to see how many without tickets were left to look on from afar (a substantial number) I took the tram back into the city.
As I spoke to my girlfriend on the phone I could hear a celebration and she told me Mexico had scored. I relayed this to the dozen or so Mexican fans on the bus, which led to mass outbursts of celebration.
Unfortunately for them it was not to last, but they certainly gave highly-fancied Argentina a scare - and I for one will never forget the joy they brought to Leipzig one Saturday in June.
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Yes what a pity the mexicans went out here in catalonia the cheers from the street for Argentina were irritating to say the least COME ON ENGLAND I will be watching in a city with over 30,000 Ecuadorians
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It's sad to see the Mexican team and fans depart the World Cup.
The team has been playing some very attractive and fast paced football, and they came so close to defeating the Argentines.
The fans, meamwhile, have been superb and in good voice.
Mexico showed that CONCACAF can play good football.
Cheers,
The Gaffer
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Viva Mexico
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Mexico certainly caught the favourites off foot! Though, in my opinion, the Argentines played more skillful football, the Mexicans used clever strategy to hold off the opposing side. Not quite the rampage we all expected. Well done to Mexico! And well done to Argentine for keeping their cool.
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We in Bangladesh for the first time experienced the life World Cup Fotball mathes in 1982. At the beginning there used to be limited number of matches. These days we can see all the matches. I am too old (62 yrs) to stay awake and see the match starting at 1 am. So. I am going to miss some of the good matches. I have no complain and happy about the performances so far. I would honestly like to see the two great latin teams from the sam continent in the final.
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Mexico has really shown their class by turning the tables on a somewhat overconfident Argentina. It was a very close game and truly it was the game that won today.
Germany vs Argentina. We all know what that's gonna be like. Argentina may get a tonic of their own like they served Serbia.
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Well done, Mexico! Your team played SUPERB football worthy of the final. It was an unforgettable match.
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What a terrific match!
Both Argentine and Mexican supporters were dancing and singing in the stands at Leipzig!
Messi, Maxi Rodriguez and Crespo were truly awesome.
For Mexico - Marquez stood out.
Rodriguez's goal in extra time - was one of the best of the tournament so far.
Now I will cheering On Argentina against Germany!
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Viva Mexico. Well done Mexico.
You were robbed.
I was disappointed with the Swiss referee. He allowed Argentina the freedom of the park. They were not penalised for fouls and got away with cheating. Thankfully it was minimal.
Refereeing standards in this World cup have fallen. The tackle is punished even when it hasn't occured. All the referees seem to have been brain washed into giving the dive the benefit of a foul.
The imaginary card has won the day and football has lost to the unsporting cheats.
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Robbed?? please! what about that Argentina goal that was dissallowed because of a bogus offside? huh? The game has its bas calls and great plays and in the end Argentina came on top. Mexico played a great match, one to be proud of, but allas...
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Robbed?? please! what about that Argentina goal that was dissallowed because of a bogus offside? huh? The game had its bad calls and great plays and in the end Argentina came on top. Mexico played a great match, one to be proud of, but allas...
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A fabulous game with an atmosphere stoked by the rather hypnotic chant used the Argentine fans to rouse their players. Is the chant something significant in national terms or is it just their 'vindaloo'?
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Hi, how come the mexican fans were not watching the game on one of the big screens, instead of romping about on a bus? They missed their goal!
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This match was always going to need a special goal to separate the two very good teams and Argentina provided that goal. But all the same well done Mexicans!
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I don't think the Argentines were overconfident. It's possible that the media in the UK overhyped Argentina, but everyone in Argentina knows and respects Mexican football. After all, the two teams faced each other last year in the Confederations Cup and Argentina needed penalties to win. The Argentines have been quick to downplay their status as favourites.
The refereeing was poor but did not favour one particular team. Heinze was lucky to stay on the pitch at the end of the first half, but then Messi had a good goal ruled out at the end of the second half.
Overall, Argentina played the better football, but Mexico were tactically fantastic, hustling Argentina and rarely allowing anyone to settle on the ball. In the end though, it was one moment of magic from Maxi that made the difference. Tactics and energy are admirable, but raw talent is what wins games.
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Great game Mexico and Argentina!!!
Real World Cup is mad of games like this. Argentina is real team playing strong teams and now will play hosts Germans in QF and it will be no shame on Argentines if they lose to German hosts on the other hand England is what I call a really lucky team all the way from group stages to last 16 playing not such a strong teams.
By the way what a goal by Maxi!
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Well, Maybe the Agentines have better skills, but it drives me crazy when they got hold of the ball and then just pass among themselves for a long time in the back without advancing it. That's what made me root for the Mexicans, the are just so much more exiting to watch.
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Hi Fletch & Ricco
Great blog!
Where are you guys heading next? If you're stick looking for suggestions.... my dad was stationed in the British army base Birdwood Barracks in Bunde near Herford and Hanover over 35 years ago. He ran his fatest 800m at a track in a place called Muchengladback and I'm sure he'd be thrilled if you could playout his defining moment of glory on the track again all these years later!
C'mon England!
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Viva Mexico!
Well, Argentinias really thought they had it made when they knew they were going against Mexico, oh surprise, big surprise. Argentina was against the wall during most of the match, yes, Max scored one of the best goals so far and only a goal of this caliber could have won this match.
This match was very well worth a final match, probably the best match so far.
I really wished Mexico would have won to continue seing more of them on this cup. They really deserved it as they played as the greatest.
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hello
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