Today ranks as one of the most important days of the year for me. Actually, this is one of the most important days in a four-year period.
The U.S. men’s national soccer team takes on Mexico in a World Cup qualifer tonight at 7. Watch it on ESPN2.
I think of myself as a pretty progressive person. I try to show people from all walks of life the utmost respect. I especially do this for the burgeoning immigrant population in my home town. I have nothing against people who come here from Mexico to seek a better life.
It’s a different story when it comes to the members of their national soccer team. Not only is their a natural rivalry because of geography and because we are the two strongest teams in our region, but there is also the hate that I feel because of their attitude toward our team.
Their refusal to shake hands after we beat them. The cheap shot Osvaldo Sanchez took on Eddie Johnson in a friendly a few years ago. The way they pummeled Cobi Jones in the World Cup just because we were schooling them. Their general whining and lack of class.
I don’t use the word hate very often, but I hate their soccer team with a passion. And tonight we get a chance to put them in their place.
The last two qualifying cycles have seen us beat them 2-0 at Columbus Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. I was there four years ago. You can see me in the photo (click the image for a bigger version). Look at the left side of the goal. If you look real closely, there is a guy in a red jacket and a tan cowboy hat in the front row, right behind the goalpost. Im on his immediate left.
I couldn’t go this year and am incredibly antsy because of it. I’ll get lots of work done today, but will be distracted until I can get home, throw on my red U.S. jersey and cordon myself in the basement with beer and snacks to see us win.
I don’t usually get like this, but this day only rolls around once every four years. When we play them in friendly matches, it just isn’t the same. When we play them away, I expect us to struggle. But tonight is on our turf, and we own this game.
It is so exciting to see a community of “Voetbal” (as we say here in The Netherlands) fanatics in the U.S. I can not even describe what is like to live here and take part in this unique national pride for the National Voetbal team! To be here during World Cup – can’t even desciribe it. Super Bowl – what is that? It’s got nothing on voetbal in Europe! Would love to see the U.S. really make it!
Patrick – I hear you. She just doesn’t get it. I have a trip out of town Thursday and told her about the game at the same time I told her about that. She said she’d say goodbye to me Tuesday night and would see me again Friday. š
Eric, I’m disappointed in you. Get in the 20th century. š
You can’t Tivo a USA (or DC United) match anyway – your mojo can’t work – it has to be live! š
I’m completely distracted today too. My biggest battle is going to be convincing my wife that we should be eating dinner in front of the TV tonight so I don’t miss any of the game! I don’t have TIVO or DVR to save my ass.
Counting down the minutes till kick off as well.
My wife gets mad at me when USA plays Mexico because I generally so laid back about most everything. She doesn’t understand why I get so excited about this match but not so excited watching a Baby Story.
Go figure.
Cross posted:
I may not be as active in the “soccer community” as I once was but I am still there since I can’t concentrate at all right now. I so want to go to Chi Town in June but flights are a bit out of the budget at the moment.
9 hours to go and I cannot wait for this, but am also a bit nervous. Both teams should qualify with ease, but I don’t care if it’s Video Olympics Soccer for the Atari 2600, if it’s vs Mexico I want to beat their faces in.
Aw, dadman, chili sounds awesome. I don’t think we have any but that would rock.
Lonnie – I wish I could get away with a jersey. I did bring my WC06 scarf even though it’s gonna be 60 today.
America – F*** Yeah! š
I’m right with you Brian, but too antsy to get anything done at work today. I have the old blue jersey on at work today š
I’m with you 100%, Brian. I’m physically here at work, and 85% mentally too, but the beer and chili’s in the fridge at home, and the DirecTV box is already scheduled for ESPN2 at 7.
Lunchtime will be spent surfing soccer websites. š