On Via Tri Colores

The match in Gelsenkirchen between Mexico and Portugal was another tribute to the outstanding fans of the Mexican side. Travelling in amazing numbers, both into and outside the stadium, the Mexicans pretty much overwhlemed tiny Gelsenkirchen from daybreak on,

With the threat of rain, the roof on the state-of-the-art Gelsenkirchen stadium was closed. This all the more added to the dynamic pre-match atmosphere of the Mexican fans, their chants, cheers and song. The crowd is very much a family-oriented one for the Tri Colores and at all three of their Group Stage matches, they made the match virtually a home environment.

That was not to help Mexico, however, against a Portugese team which had not lost in 16 consecutive matches. Portugal took an early lead on a Maniche' goal in the sixth minute and built the lead to 2-0 on a 24th-minute penalty converted by Simao Sabrosa. The Mexicans got one back in the 29th minute by Luis Fonseca. Bravo missed a 57th minute penalty, which would have brought Mexico level, and then four minutes later, a second yellow card sendoff of Perez sealed the fate of our south of the border neighbors, who settled for runner-up in Group D and a Round of 16 match-up against a hot Argentina team.

As with all the content of this blog, written and photographic, Copyrighted 2006, All Rights Reserved, Perry McIntyre, Atlanta, GA - USA.