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USA TV Talk Sports with Justin Mazzarese
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You Might Want to Pay Attention
Justin Mazzarese
Sports Editor
More than likely you missed it. It was kind of lost in the mix as it aired on the same night that Duke and North Carolina squared off; heck � even American Idol was on. What was it you ask? It was something that is on the verge of matching the current state of Yankees and Red Sox, Duke and North Carolina or even Michigan and Ohio State, some may argue that it is already there. What I am talking about is Mexico versus United States.
In the world of soccer, rivalries need to mean more to the people than just two teams battling it out on the field. There needs to be bigger issues at hand. Political or religious issues often help to fan the flames. Iran hates playing England because David Beckham�s funky hair styles represent freedom and have an unwanted, liberal influence on the country�s players. This being most evident with Scottish Premier League�s Glasgow Celtic and Ranger rivalry that pits Protestant versus Catholic; literally, as the owners of each team conform to their religious background and do not field players outside of their religion. This rivalry has claimed numerous lives for fans that feel it would be appropriate to dawn their colors in enemy territory- one killed via crossbow to the chest.
The Mexico and United States rivalry follows suit. This was best put by the commentator before the Wednesday night�s game: �This game means a lot to Mexico because the United States is looking to shut down the borders.� But it goes deeper than that: come dig with me.
The best place to start is the nature of the fans on each side. In Mexico, people live and die by the ball. More than six million Hispanics tuned into the game, broadcasted on ESPN 2, here in the states; the station usually used for dogs shows, strong man contests and dart competitions. If we ever want to catch up to the world in soccer, then that game needs to be on ABC in primetime. But with the American attitude towards soccer, most probably do not care if we ever catch up.
This is the aspect that frustrates the people in Mexico so much and adds to the rivalry; we just do not care about the game. What adds to their irritation is that the United States keeps on winning and continues not to care. We just defeated them in this past World Cup and heck, they have not scored on American soil since 1999. With the 2-0 shutout loss, that extends their scoreless streak to just under 900 minutes.
This anger has led to numerous shots below the belt: nails being thrown on the field to which American players have been cut on, urine filled bags being thrown at the United States players, even �Osama,� chants can be heard during the game.
These started after the rivalry reached new heights when American star Landon Donovan urinated on the field in truly �got to go� form after being locked out of his locker room. This is the same field that many would consider sacred ground. Just think, if someone urinated on a pew in church, how would you feel? Now that religion is involved, we are a true soccer rivalry.
Copyright 2007 Justin Mazzarese. All Rights Reserved.
All photos herein are the exclusive property of Albert G. Bruhn.
Reprint without permission is prohibited.
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