Expert Blogs

The heat of Mexico

It was almost as if the entire tournament had been shifted a couple of planets closer to the sun. No footballer could be expected to perform in that heat - the sweat saturated images in the living room served as a constant reminder of the torturous conditions, forced in part by European broadcasters insistent on matches taking place in the middle of the day.

While many wilted the host nation blossomed. Mexico, a land where 'futbol' had enjoyed a rich history and tradition, introduced the watching world to its own impenetrable fortress - the hugely impressive Azteca Stadium, originally built to showpiece the 1968 Summer Olympics.

My good friend and radio co-host Robert (Bob) Iarsuci played there on a number of occasions with the Canadian national team. His insight gives one an idea of how difficult a place it is to perform as the visiting team.

"It's an intimidating stadium - with the altitude and the proximity of the fans" says Bob.

"The noise is deafening - you can't hear yourself think and before you get to the field you must file past an altar in the players' tunnel where the Mexicans go through their pre-game prayer ritual."

It appears the prayers are answered on a regular basis given Mexico's formidable record at the Azteca over the decades.

It is no surprise Mexico has posted its best World Cup showing on home soil. In 1970 and again in 1986, 'El Tri' reached the quarter-finals but overseas, though a regular participant due somewhat to the geographical ease of qualification, it has largely failed to make a significant impact.

It is debatable whether the weather, which has aided the Mexicans in past World Cups, will work against them in a South African winter next June. The fact that several of their star players earn a lucrative living in Europe should make the acclimatization process less arduous for some.

The return of Javier Aguirre

The re-hiring of Javier Aguirre as head coach following the disastrous 'Sven Experiment' has paid rapid dividends. In the space of six months since his return from club management in Spain, Aguirre led Mexico to emphatic Gold Cup glory and to the World Cup Finals, ultimately with a game to spare.

He has an interesting blend of youth and experience to work with in the months ahead. The legendary Temo Blanco, coaxed out of international retirement by Aguirre, will turn 37 early in the New Year but seems certain to make the cut after missing out in 2006.

At the other end of the scale, a pair of 20 year olds could light up the group stages in 2010. Carlos Vela and Giovanni dos Santos certainly caught the eye in Canada three summers ago as part of the Mexican team at the U20 World Cup. Can the young guns now make the transition to the senior stage?

Recent World Cup history does not favour Mexico. At the last four tournaments they've got out of their group only to fall in the round of 16. The task will be no less difficult in South Africa and while I can't see Mexico winning the World Cup, Aguirre's men could certainly make life hard for the team which does.