Mexico's Nery Castillo (photo courtesy of Sporting Life UK)
What a difference a week makes. Last Thursday I was shocked that Mexico had just squeaked by non-country Guadelope1-0 in the Gold Cup semi's. On Sunday they lost the final to the U.S. at a downright raucous Soldier Field and I thought just for a moment that El Tri's trip to Copa America might morph into a Hugo Sanchez farewell tour.
But quicker than a trannie on rollerskates they've turned their fortunes around with a dominating performance & upset victory against Brazil. New boy Nery Castillo was completely on fire to the point that the Greek Football Federation is probably binge-drinking Ouzo right now for not locking him up for their national side when they had the chance. And with Guillermo Ochoa guarding the goal like it was his hair product stash, they pulled of an incredible victory that just might take the heat of them for a bit.
And as much as it pain's my Sam's Army heart to say it, their upset win has inspired me to think positive thoughts about tonight's U.S. v. Argentina match, which has much of the socceratti talking "lambs to the slaughter ". While I agree that it will be no easy feat, it can be done. If Mexico can do the job against a team that everyone expects them to get spanked by why can't we.
If you know your history, you know that the U.S. beat the Argies 3-nil at the Copa in 1995. Sure those were different teams and circumstances, but we did the job few expected us to. And Argentina are not invincible. I mentioned something a few months ago about them playing a friendly against Brazil in the states in March that got a fair bit of attention for this site. Do you know why that match never happened? A source who was deeply involved in making it happen says it was because their coach Alfio Basile didn't want to lose before Copa America. Even he knows that they can be beat.
Doubters, think about that absolutely fucking awesome day in 2002 when we took it to Figo & company in Korea. I say to you all (in my best General Patton/Sam Houston voice) "Remember Suwon"…have a little faith, wish for a little luck, and pray like hell.
What a difference a week makes. Last Thursday I was shocked that Mexico had just squeaked by non-country Guadelope1-0 in the Gold Cup semi's. On Sunday they lost the final to the U.S. at a downright raucous Soldier Field and I thought just for a moment that El Tri's trip to Copa America might morph into a Hugo Sanchez farewell tour.
But quicker than a trannie on rollerskates they've turned their fortunes around with a dominating performance & upset victory against Brazil. New boy Nery Castillo was completely on fire to the point that the Greek Football Federation is probably binge-drinking Ouzo right now for not locking him up for their national side when they had the chance. And with Guillermo Ochoa guarding the goal like it was his hair product stash, they pulled of an incredible victory that just might take the heat of them for a bit.
And as much as it pain's my Sam's Army heart to say it, their upset win has inspired me to think positive thoughts about tonight's U.S. v. Argentina match, which has much of the socceratti talking "lambs to the slaughter ". While I agree that it will be no easy feat, it can be done. If Mexico can do the job against a team that everyone expects them to get spanked by why can't we.
If you know your history, you know that the U.S. beat the Argies 3-nil at the Copa in 1995. Sure those were different teams and circumstances, but we did the job few expected us to. And Argentina are not invincible. I mentioned something a few months ago about them playing a friendly against Brazil in the states in March that got a fair bit of attention for this site. Do you know why that match never happened? A source who was deeply involved in making it happen says it was because their coach Alfio Basile didn't want to lose before Copa America. Even he knows that they can be beat.
Doubters, think about that absolutely fucking awesome day in 2002 when we took it to Figo & company in Korea. I say to you all (in my best General Patton/Sam Houston voice) "Remember Suwon"…have a little faith, wish for a little luck, and pray like hell.
0 comments:
Post a Comment