La Guerra Caliente: Score One for Mexico
Posted on February 8, 2009 9:15 am
The Mexican National soccer team arrived in Columbus yesterday.
It’s unusual for a coach to bring his players into a hostile city this far in front of a game, but Tri head coach Sven Goren Eriksson wants to give them as much time as possible to acclimate to the typically fierce Central Ohio February climate.
(In another effort to change their luck, he’s also changed the team’s usual accommodations; normally Mexico has bunked up in a hotel on the outskirts of town but this time he’s booked them right smack downtown. Just a reminder, people: Project Mayhem does not exist.)
Like everyone else – including the 250,000 people who now swear they were there – he knows all about the infamous La Guerra Fria on February 28, 2001 when El Tri were so intimidated by the bitter cold that they refused to go out for pregame warmups, and he’s determined to do everything he can to lessen the shock that hits them when they exit the lockerroom on Wednesday night.
It’s becoming increasingly clear though that he needn’t have bothered.
Back when the CONCACAF Quqalifying schedule was announced, the February 11 USA/Mexico match, to be held in a US venue, smacked the Tri in the face like an Alberta Clipper.
They knew, as did everyone else, that Sunil Gulati might make noises about this stadium or that city but that in the end he fully intended to put this game back at the site of La Guerra Fria, Columbus Crew Stadium. Indeed, most observers said he’d be crazy not to. Mexico would rather play the US in hell or at the bottom of the ocean than have a repeat of the nightmare from eight years ago.
But – perhaps surprisingly – Gulati offered Mexico a deal: he would schedule the game someplace else, someplace a little less intimidating temperaturewise and with maybe a bit more chance to seat some more Tri fans if Mexico would agree to move their leg of the series out of the Azteca and down a little closer to sea level.
We don’t know how long or how seriously Mexico’s federation debated the offer, but in the end they decided that nothing was worth giving up that Mexico City match and said no thanks.
So unless Mexico City somehow drops down a few thousand feet closer to sea level, you have to give round one to Mexico.
To cut to the chase here, the current forecast for Wednesday Feb 11 in Columbus calls for a high in the upper 50′s. They’re also calling for rain – a 70% chance – but I’ve been in Mexico a couple times and I do recall some precipitation, so presumably it won’t be much of a shock if the players have to line up in a downpour.
If the temperature does hit the predicted 58 (other forecasts have it as low as 54) it will officially be the warmest day in Central Ohio since mid November. And helpfully, the prediction is that the temps willbegin to plummet again on Thursday, as the Tri are watching Columbus International disappear out the windows.
So the Mexican team is working out today in balmy Columbus, wondering what all the fuss was about. The guys they brought in from Europe are probably happy to be so warm. There’s more snow this week in London.
So the question is: how much will any of this really matter?
And of course it’s impossible to say. But it’s clear that the US was hoping for much colder weather if for no other reason than the psychological value. It’s just not easy to go from typical mid-70′s temperatures in Mexico to playing in 20 degree weather with single digit wind chills.
Maybe it’s just me, but I’m betting that Bob Bradley was hoping for something a little more Arctic.
yeah
Game time: 7pm. It won’t be 54 (or 57) at 7pm. Just sayin’
Actually – from my perspective as a photographer, 40-45 and raining, is far worse than 25 and snowing. Sigh.
I think the weather has been part of an excuse for the Mexicans and a false psychological advantage for the United States. The fact is that the US was simply better than Mexico in their last two Columbus meetings. Something many Mexicans are loathe to admit, and Americans can’t seem to believe. Lots of Mexico’s players play in colder European climates. The vast majority of American players are from California, Texas, and Florida. In fact the US squad has been training for their earlier friendly against Sweden and for this game, in………….California. I don’t really think they put the game in Columbus for the weather, but because they can much more easily control the ticket sales/crowd at this smaller venue. I mean, US-Mexico could sell out the Rose Bowl or Texas Stadium three times over. But they don’t put it there, but in itty-bitty rickity Crew Stadium in the middle of the country. Hell, in the same city as Crew Stadium is the much larger Ohio Stadium (aka the Horseshoe), which they could sell out for this game. The Crew used to play there, so of course they could reconfigure it for soccer. But they don’t put it there, because there would be 20k Americans and 80k Mexican fans. By controlling the attendace at Crew Stadium, there will be 15k Americans and 5k Mexico fans.
One small point of information:
While the Crew did indeed play in the ‘Shoe from 1996-1998, the main reason they had to leave (and thus Lamar hunt was forced to build a stadium – he didn’t do it on a whim) was because they were renovating the old barn between football seasons and thus the place was not available from march through August.
There was literally no other place to play. Mr. Hunt had to either build CCS or move the team.
The soccer field at Ohio Stadium was quite narrow; Bruce Arena hated the place because there was no room on the wings. I believe that it was the narrowest pitch in the league.
And when they renovated the place, one of the ways they added thousands more seats was to lower the field, eliminating the track. At this point a soccer field laid in there would be so claustrophobic that it might not even meet FIFA standards, which are surprisingly flexible but not limitless.
I admit I’m not entirely positive, but I don’t believe an international match is an option any more.
Not that it alters your point at all, just wanted to be thorough.
So the question is: how much will any of this really matter?
Not much.
3-1/2 CONCACAF spots and a vast resource and talent gulf from the US & Mexico to everyone else. Both teams will qualify regardless of the results in their brace of games.
yeah, it will probably be around 45 and raining during the game, which i find far worse… that cold, wet weather is much more of a miserable shock.
Just out of interest, does anyone know where exactly the Mexican National team is staying in Columbus?
As the gentleman below has noted, although you didn’t hear it from me, the word is that they are at the Westin Columbus, on South High Street, (614) 228-3800 in case you want to say hi to anyone there.
I’m also told that they are secretly practicing over at Spindler Park, an out-of-the-way venue on the Northwest Side. Sven is trying hard to keep people from finding out since while it’s a pretty obscure venue there’s no way to keep people away from the fields.
So if you have a big old camera, be sure to stop by.
Reminds me of the time my school (Penn State) *finally* got Alabama (during a 10 game home and home series) to agree to schedule the Happy Valley leg in November. As I recall, it was the Bear’s last season. Game time temp was about 75. It is *never* 75 in the PA mountains in November. Man plans–God laughs…..
Edited for foul language- BA
sometimes I wonder how credible your statements are.
I know people make mistakes but u make too many
here is one tidbit
this is false
Mexico usually gets a hotel in downtown for WCQ.
when Mexico played canada in edmonton they stayed in the hotel sutton in downtown edmonton
please check your “facts” before posting them as such
oh and VIVA BLOCKBUSTER!!
Where the hell else would they stay in Edmonton? The first trailer park on the left?
And you’re classifying Edmonton as “hostile”? Really? Your threshhold for fear is pretty low, compadre.
And when they play a crucial qualifier against Canada, do let me know.
Finally, Edmonton does not equal “usually”.
Other than that, your point is well taken.
Oh, I;m sorry, other that that you have no point at all. My bad.
For the record, I was talking specifically about Columbus. They don’t normally stay downtown until the night before the game. What I can’t find out is if they’re going to change hotels the day before the game this time or if they’ll stay where they are since they’re already downtown. My guess is that they’ll move but we’ll see.
And for future reference, I don’t mind a bit being told I’m wrong. Writing as much as I do, it’s inevitable. It’s surprising as hell that I get it right as often as I do.
And you’re always welcome to point it out. But don’t act like a dick
you are an idiot. he is talking about in columbus. they usually stay at the Hilton in Easton out in the burbs. this year they are staying downtown (the Westin- unverified).
Watching the youtube clip of the match from 2001, I wish Jack Edwards was in the booth for this one.
Down here in Mexico (I´m staying in the little burg of Colima, west of Guadalajara) there´s stuff on every TV channel at least every 15 minutes. Everybody from the Presidente on down is giving them good wishes. I mean, this is a REALLY big deal to the Mexicans. I expect El Tri to come out so wound up that they´ll be lucky to get through the first 10 minutes without a red. Just another reason the Mexis will lose. If they could ever get loose enough to play the skillfull game they´re capable of, they might actually win one of these things.
Sven will mastermind another ass kicking, mark my words.
I have to say that I can’t wait for this one. It should be epic.
And of course Mexico WILL win in America, and in Columbus, sooner or later.
I just hope that it’s later.
This is supposed to be a happy occasion. Let’s not bicker and argue about who killed who. – ba
Wow, nothing brings out the mexi’s like some relatively non-threatening Bill Archer blog-posts. I would almost hate to see how the Canadians come out of the woodwork if they ever played in a meaningful WCQ.
I think the point of playing in Crew stadium is to provide an inspiration, we already beat them when it was cool in 2005, and all over the South West, the weather is just an excuse for the mexies can use so that they can keep on thinking they’re better. Sad, just sad.
I’d like to thank some folks for sparing me effort.
Having Blockbuster on your avatar is like putting yourself on my ignore list, so I don’t have to. That’s quite thoughtful.
First time I read your articles here Bill and I think it is a good one. I am a MNT supporter and I don’t make excuses when we lose. We have lost many times to a USNT that has been better here in the US. The only thing that gets to me is how the passion of some USNT supporters blinds them. Yes, we have not won here in the US for the past decade, but the USNT has NEVER won on Mexican soil. How are we OWNED by the USNT in general? This will be a great match on wednesday and I hope each of our NT’s bringout the best in each other for another unforgettable match for ALL supporters.
Michoacano
The decision to not move the game from Azteca has more to do with economic reasons than anything else. Why would the Mexican Federation move the game to another venue where they will make half as much from ticket sales in exchange for the US game making twice as much. The reality of the situation is that Mexico plays just as well (you might even argue that they do better) in home games outside of Azteca than at Azteca.
^^^ If that’s the case, Canada is really catching up to Mexico.
C’mon you Reds!
Regarding the US dominance over Mexico…
With the exception of Columbus, most USA vs. Mexico games held in the US have been in front of extremely pro-Mexican crowds (examples – the Gold Cup in Chicago, friendlies in Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, and LA). The only game between the two at a neutral site was a victory by the US in Korea.
Since 2000, the US has beaten Mexico everywhere they’ve played except in the Azteca (9-0-1). The US has outscored Mexico 17-1 in those games.
When you combine that with the FMF’s refusal to play the US anywhere in Mexico besides the Azteca only validates the claims of the US’ dominance. Should Mexico play and beat the US in Monterrey, Guadelajara, etc., it would silence the cries of dominance coming from the US side of the border.
I don’t think it will happen, though…want to know the last time the US played Mexico in a Mexican city not named Mexico City?
Puebla – 1976. 33 years ago.
The US probably won’t continue to win every “home” game against Mexico. At some point in time, Mexico is bound to beat the US on US soil. …but I’ve been thinking the same about Clemson at UNC for over 30 years.
US has NEVER won a match anywhere in Mexico. Look it up. If you want to go by record, Mexico has a better All-time record vs the US. You can’t just base it off of the last decade on US soil.
I think that eventually Mexico will win in Columbus the same way I think that the US will eventually win in Mexican soil. Everything is just a matter of time. Hopefully the former will come sooner than the latter.
Yeah, but we got our first point down there back in the 90′s and the last two games Mexico struggled to beat the US, winning 1-0 and 2-1. Not to mention that 90% of Mexico victories were against semi-professionals and amatuers betweens the 40′s-70′s. Winning at the Azteca is like knocking down a vending machine, it takes a few pushes but once its down its harder to get it back up.
So the US resorts to weather? Because FMF did not want to move the second leg from Azteca? So Columbus = Azteca for you?
Where do you get your facts?
Unbelievable. Learn from Costa Rica…….
I cant believe the mexican press had the nerve to call this the cold war….I cant remember the last war mex was in or won. Not that war is something to brag about. It just goes to show that the mexican press which considers itself the voice of the people is trying to motivate their national team, but at the same time give them sn excuse with the cold in case they lose. I figure mex will comeout running at full speed down the wings, with crosses, one on ones, and then freeze out. For a change, the US squad actually has more skill then what the greens are bringing to town. Stars 3- mex 1.
No dummy, FMF wanted a venue that would bring more money for them, that’s why they wanted USSF to move the match to the West Coast so more people in Mexico will be able to watch it.
I thought you guys knew that Televisa owns your NT.
Maybe your team should learn from USSF……..
I seem to recall a bunch of excuses about altitude and smog coming from the US camp every time they play in Mexico while conveniently forgetting that the US also lost in Guadalajara in 04. The US has basically lost everywhere in Mexico.
Not to mention the “group of death” or the “we sent our C team to Copa America” excuses.
Seems to me like the whining goes both ways.
I seem to remember that was our olympic team that lost 4-0……..
but if the mexico team that got disqualifed last year didn’t represent the full mexico team, then the 2004 result is also irrelevant.
Guys. it’s simple.
The Good Guys 3-1 mejico
was that your “B” or “C” Olympic team?
I seem to remember that team included Donovan, Beasley, and Gooch.
Please provide links to the facts you are providing. Because you and billy are full of it..
Televisa as Television Azteca own exclusive rights….
And your team should learn from a third world country NT, like billy discriminates, and win at the Azteca…
“Ohh, mmm I’ll move the game to Salt Lake so you can have a Home Advantage, If you move your part of the leg out of Azteca”
You idiots dont have facts!
Are you aware that if the game would of beign outside Azteca there wont be any presance by USMNT fans? Idiotic statement from billy! saying stuff with no proof..
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