Mexican Soccer

Mexico proclaims to be the most soccer crazed country in the world. In Mexico, soccer is what keeps people going. Although Mexico has become overrun with drug lords, the people look to soccer as their way out. Mexico has always been looked at as the little brother of the United States and soccer becomes the equalizer. When player on the Mexican national team enters the pitch they tear the grass right out of the ground and say a prayer. Each player always wears a t-shirt with the face of the last person who died in their family. When the player scores a goal they rip off their jersey showing their fallen person. Mexico has helped to change the game of soccer whether it was for better or worse the country has developed a tactical flop that has revolutionized Mexican soccer.

Mexican soccer has always been built on a strong tactical game with fluent passing from player to player. Although they are quick with their feet, they lack the height that most countries have to spare. The great equalizer is the flop. Across the field for the entire duration of the game Mexican national players are falling all over in dramatic fashion. The player moves swiftly across the open field and as soon as a rival player makes any contact the Mexican is flailing to ground like a dropped tamale.

Mexico isn't the only country that flops by all means every country in the world has a few "floppers" on the roster.  I’m not railing on Mexico but the way they play soccer has quickly moved around the world. Flopping in soccer didn't actually start in Mexico, but in Brazil. Brazil has won multiple World Cups and has become one of the most respected soccer countries in the world. Mexico has perfected the flop and created a culture in their sport that fits their style of play. Although they are smaller in stature flopping allows the team to take free kicks. The Mexican tactical game is so strong that a free kick allows them to take the perfect shot and create chaos inside the goalie box.

Mexico has hosted World Cups and even won the gold medal at the last Olympics. The U17 (under 17 years old) even won the last World Cup for their age group. The future is always bright for their young squad even as they have gone through the resent struggles in the past few years.

As we move from Mexico we will move to another country riddled with drugs, Columbia. This South American titan had grown to become a powerhouse soccer team in the 80’s. Columbia has recently returned to become one of the top teams in the world. Next week we look at this countries sketchy soccer history where drugs and soccer are intertwined.