I am going to rewind back to the Gold Cup qualifying match in Chicago. I never got around to writing about this in the states.
I left work early and
took the El as close as i could go to Soldier Field. They made me throw away my new umbrella at the gate to the stadium. I guess it would be rough to be behind someone with an open umbrella and try to watch a game. I heard it was sold out, but when we arrived about 80% of the seats were vacant. There were two matches. America vs. Honduras and Mexico vs Costa Rica. U.S.A. was easily beating Honduras to the dismay of half of the audience. Gradually more and more green piled into the stadium and started rooting for the U.S. I realized why the United States' team was playing first in America. By the end of the first match the stadium was at capacity almost entirely draped in green and waving Mexican flags. They celebrated the U.S. win and began to chant for Mexico.
Chants of "chinga tu madre cabron" could be heard from both sides. Some questionable calls were made and full $7 beers were chucked in the referee's direction. Tension mounted and brawls were forming in every direction. The Costa Rican players were taking dives and getting drenched with beer during their corner kicks. A mob of ignorant Americans were chanting "COSTA RICA! COSTA RICA! COSTA RICA!" and embarrassing the actual Costa Rican fans. It was a pleasure to see the beers fly
in their direction and the stomping that ensued. After the Americans were beaten up by the nearby fans of Mexico, they were escorted out by security (for their safety) and fought the very people trying to help them. At one point they were getting a beat down from the security and and the fans. I was drenched with beer in the process, but it was worth it. Rules about fighting, smoking in the stadium, and indecent exposure were thrown out the window as the game rolled on.
I can positively say that it was the best sporting event I have witnessed live. It transcended the simple love of a soccer club, and became a celebration of a people and a culture.
I left work early and
took the El as close as i could go to Soldier Field. They made me throw away my new umbrella at the gate to the stadium. I guess it would be rough to be behind someone with an open umbrella and try to watch a game. I heard it was sold out, but when we arrived about 80% of the seats were vacant. There were two matches. America vs. Honduras and Mexico vs Costa Rica. U.S.A. was easily beating Honduras to the dismay of half of the audience. Gradually more and more green piled into the stadium and started rooting for the U.S. I realized why the United States' team was playing first in America. By the end of the first match the stadium was at capacity almost entirely draped in green and waving Mexican flags. They celebrated the U.S. win and began to chant for Mexico.Chants of "chinga tu madre cabron" could be heard from both sides. Some questionable calls were made and full $7 beers were chucked in the referee's direction. Tension mounted and brawls were forming in every direction. The Costa Rican players were taking dives and getting drenched with beer during their corner kicks. A mob of ignorant Americans were chanting "COSTA RICA! COSTA RICA! COSTA RICA!" and embarrassing the actual Costa Rican fans. It was a pleasure to see the beers fly
in their direction and the stomping that ensued. After the Americans were beaten up by the nearby fans of Mexico, they were escorted out by security (for their safety) and fought the very people trying to help them. At one point they were getting a beat down from the security and and the fans. I was drenched with beer in the process, but it was worth it. Rules about fighting, smoking in the stadium, and indecent exposure were thrown out the window as the game rolled on.I can positively say that it was the best sporting event I have witnessed live. It transcended the simple love of a soccer club, and became a celebration of a people and a culture.
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