Just a friendly? Don't tell Mexico and the United States
Good afternoon all. I'm writing you from, yes, you guessed it, my car. I managed to arrive somewhat early to Mexico practice only to find out that it is closed to the media. Now this isn't a big deal but as I sit in my car and notice a variety of security camped out at a variety of locations I can't help but fee like this is a lot of security for what is essentially a walkthrough the day before a friendly (Where's Bill Belichick when you need him?).
This is no knock on Mexico because the United States does the same thing. The US team will train in Reliant Stadium this afternoon and it will also be closed to the public and media. Do they really need all the secrecy? Yeah, they kinda do. It's a friendly but neither side is doing the other any favors by telling them who is playing. That said, it would be nice if the public could see an open practice and meet and greet some players. Ah well.
I'll check back in after Mexico's practice so stay tuned.
Ives Galarcep is an American soccer columnist for ESPNsoccernet.com and creator of SoccerByIves.net.
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Ah the bubbling waters of our ever growing rivalry. Love it.
Posted by: Dave Martinez | February 05, 2008 at 12:36 PM
Let's go USA! They should plan a game to in the Tri-State area.
Posted by: Sandro | February 05, 2008 at 01:26 PM
Any idea what number of tickets have been sold?
Posted by: VictorM | February 05, 2008 at 01:27 PM
Any idea what number of tickets have been sold?
More than 55,000 tickets have been sold
http://www.ussoccer.com/articles/viewArticle.jsp_5210116.html
Posted by: Postmaster | February 05, 2008 at 01:46 PM
We need to play some these friendlies in Mexico. That way people can see upclose for themselves how good we are and how bad our new uniforms are.
I predict a blow out 3-0 USA.
Posted by: EASTLACHIVA | February 05, 2008 at 01:49 PM
C'mon Ives, turn this story against Mexico. No fair and balanced reporting. :)
Posted by: Craig | February 05, 2008 at 01:56 PM
Yeah, now that I see the jersey in that banner link, Dempsey totally looks like he is running in his undershirt.
Posted by: Greg | February 05, 2008 at 02:28 PM
Friendly my a$$. Screw you, Mexico.
Posted by: kpugs | February 05, 2008 at 02:32 PM
Ives,
Love the image of you dutifully blogging from your car - thanks so much for all the great work, seriously!!!
-j
Posted by: jason | February 05, 2008 at 02:33 PM
Today's top story: The sewers run red with Mexico's blood!
Posted by: sublicon | February 05, 2008 at 02:43 PM
What a great post that was...
Posted by: ohboyohboy | February 05, 2008 at 02:50 PM
Ives,
Great reporting!!! You're a trooper!!! My prediction: Mexico 2-1.
Michoacano
Posted by: Michoacano | February 05, 2008 at 02:57 PM
Money quote: "Good afternoon all. I'm writing you from, yes, you guessed it, my car."
Ha, that was too good. You're a trooper, man. Hang in there.
Posted by: Aaron | February 05, 2008 at 03:23 PM
When the US and Mexico played in Houston five years ago, I managed to walk right into the US practice at Rice U. I snapped some photos and could have stood there all afternoon watching from just a few yards away. I guess things have changes since then.
Posted by: Chris | February 05, 2008 at 03:25 PM
We should lose just for having such an ass-clown-looking uniform. :) NIKE has absolutely no class.
Posted by: Uncle Jason | February 05, 2008 at 03:31 PM