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| Fan's celebration/devastation of the scored goal at the Xolos' game |
In anticipation of
the main football event of the year between Liverpool and Tottenham, I've
decided to shade a light (solely from my personal point of view) on this sport
from the Latin American prospective. It is well-known fact, that players from
this continent have conquered fans' hearts around the world. Pele, Maradona,
Messi... the list is long and their strong affection to this game is obvious.
With the stereotype, that "everyone in here is crazy about football",
I want to find out how true this statement is. I've attended couple games in
Mexico and Colombia, and will share my experience. Why does it matter or why
should you, my dear reader, read this article? Well, I had been to several
football games in my life in different countries, I had been following this
sport since I was kid, I had turned it into my hobby, and isn't it interesting
to find out if 'footballomania' is a real thing that exists in the blood
of the Latinos?
My first tête-à-tête experience had happened in 2003
in Russia at the game of the local team Rubin (Kazan) with notorious Spartak
(most titled Russian team from the Moscow). Now, I don't remember much of the
game's details, but the electric atmosphere in the stadium, passionate fans,
the vivid memories of two competing teams, and joy of the victory made me feel
like I was witnessing a gladiator's fight in the Colosseum. This game
colorfully lingered for a long time in my memory and immediately turned me
into a football fan. It is worth mentioning, that Rubin had became country's
champion in 2008 and 2009 and can boast an unexpected win against FC Barcelona
in their debut League of Champions season. Another memorable game that floats
on the top of my mind had taken place in border town Tijuana (Mexico), where
home team - Xolos was playing against America (the wealthiest and the most
titled in Liga MX from the capital Mexico City). OMG!!! I'm not sure if I can
coherently explain the frenzy fans, delicious pregame tacos, unstoppable drum
roars, dazzling blend of jersey colors and banners during 90 minutes of high
intensity football game. Not a second to take a breath! We were lucky to have
seats close to the fan's sector, where we can hear them singing, yes, hundreds
of people singing in unison, accompanied by 'bah-bah-bah' drums rocking the
stadium. I had never seen such passionate and outspoken fans! Every guest's
goalkeeper's ball kick was followed by "Eeeeeeuuuuuhhhhh....P-U-U-T-O"
by at least half of the stadium. Although it sounds very funny (here is the sample), it still
might be considered by some as offensive. The Mexican Football Federation and
the national team had been fined for their fan's behavior several times in
their history, as recent as in the World Cup in Russia. The referee was yelled
at by at least dozen different names, elaborate nicknames and epithets were
given to each America's player, the place really reminded battleground of the
two vicious enemies. Just like in Roman Empire, where 'bread and circus' were
served to please the spectators, in Tijuana we had enjoyed
'de-licking-my-fingers-licious' tacos de carde asada, refreshing beer, and
multitude of spicy snacks. The experience can be truly called unforgettable.
Unforgettable, but incomparable too? With this thought, I went to the game of
Millionarios - one of the most successful teams in Colombia, the last South
American club, for which played Alfredo Di Stefano (before moving to Real
Madrid) - widely regarded as one of the best football players of all time. I've
witnessed the same passion, love to the game, fans support. Although I felt
that the game was missing spiciness, pregaming, or intensity that I had
absorbed in the Mexican game.
After visiting several games, hanging out at
stadium's museum, and talking to people, I've came to conclusion that I was
wrong about the stereotype. Latin Americans love football, they are very
passionate fans, but this game is not the essence of their life. There are a
lot of other types of sports, although I recommend to anyone this 90-minute
experience of blazing emotions and vibrant performance. It is truly
unique!
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| Guadalajara (Chivas) dressing room |
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| Fan's light show at the Millionario's game |
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