A league of their own...

This past week Cancun was fortunate enough to host the CONCACEF women's soccer tournament. This wasn't just any old tournament either - these women were playing for two spots which would ensure their spot in next summer's FIFA World Cup in Germany.

Most of my readers are very aware of my love for sports, especially soccer. Sorry, I just can't call it futbol!!! So it will not come to any ones' surprise that I attended four matches. I'm going to take it when I can get it!

One of the main reasons I was looking forward to the event was that Canada was playing, and I knew they had a  real shot of qualifying. The other reason? The US women's team was there to compete as well. I had many people asking me "Why are you cheering for the US over Mexico"? I had one answer. They are the best. Arguably, they still are one of the best womens' teams in the world. Period. I used to idolize Mia Hamm, and wish that Canada would be more into women's sports. Don't get me wrong, it's not like I wasn't going to be happy for Mexico if they did well, but I do have my favourites for a reason.

I am very happy to report that the stadiums were full of cheering fans. The first game I watched was Canada vs. Costa Rica. Canada had to win this game to take 1 of the spots, and they did. They were the first team to qualify from CONCACEF. This was a huge moment for them. I had tears in my eyes when I saw them running around, congratulating each other...

The second match I watched was USA vs. Mexico. No surprise the Americans (and I) were outnumbered in the stands. Even the Canadians were cheering for them.... In fairness they didn't want to face USA in the final a few days later. That being said, I was a bit shocked that when the American flag was brought out the crowd starting booing. In all my years of attending these National matches, I've never heard a flag being booed. Players, yes, but countries, no. Wait - it gets worse. When the team came out of the locker room they were booed. Another thing? I'm pretty sure its' customary to stand for the singing of a National Anthem, even if it's not your own? Am I wrong??? Am I the only one who thinks this way?

Most of my friends were in agreement with me that this was wrong. Only one argued with me telling me that this type of behaviour is normal, and not meant to disrespect. Just healthy competition. I don't buy it. I find it to be rude, and ignorant. Obviously the majority of the people there were in agreement with him.

As the game continued the crowd was going crazy, the stadium was packed. The first whistle blew, and gooooal. Mexico scored within the first few moments of the game. As the game went on Mexico was really dominating the match, and the USA didn't look as though they even belonged there. Needless to say they were having a BAD day. Mexico won 2-1 and it was well deserved. I was very happy for the fans, and for their team. They were the second, and last, team to automatically qualify for the World Cup!

I know many people are already aware of who won the tournament and who didn't, but I will have to write a post about that next time as I have some pictures I would like to post with it.

Congratulations to both Canada and Mexico, and good luck to the USA in their upcoming matches!

World Cup 2010 ... NOT looking good for Mexico

Well, I am not sure how many of you follow soccer as religiously as I do.... Unlike life in Canada, Soccer/Futbol is like a religion in Mexico. I have heard that every town/city in Mexico had 2 things - a Church, and a soccer field!!

That being said - World Cup 2010 is around the corner, and qualifying has been going on for the past 3 years. Things are not looking good for good ol' Mexico. Currently, we are sitting in 4th place in our group, only the top 2 in each group advance. At this point, the 1st (Costa Rica), and 2nd (USA) would both have to lose 1 or more games each, and Mexico would have to go undefeated for the rest of the qualifying....

The last time Mexico did not make the World Cup was in 1974.... In 1990 they were disqualified for using players over the age limit allowed in Seoul '88 for the Olympics. **Quick fact** This penalty was applied to ALL Mexican national representatives of all sports for 2 years.

Just to give you an idea, here are some quick facts about the FIFA World Cup:

-Int'l football competition contested by men's national teams

-Occurs every 4 year since 1930

-Current format involves 32 teams

-Games are held in one host nation, usually switching continents every 4 years

-Most widely viewed sporting event in the world

- 715.1 million watching the 2006 final (take that American Idol!!)

- South Africa is hosting 2010 from June 11-July 11

- Brazil is hosting 2014

Okay, well all this being said - I forgot the most important... PRAYER!!! Pray for Mexico's national team - it may be their only hope!!!

ATLANTE won the Champions League!!!

POTROS ~POTROS~POTROS~ ATLANTE GOOOOLLLLL!!!!!

For those of you who don't know, Cancun are the proud owners of club team Atlante!!! This of course is for futbol (soccer to my fellow Canadians/Americans).

Tuesday night the Andres Quintana Roo Stadium held a very important game for Atlante vs. Cruz Azul (Mexico City). I won't go into too much detail, but Atlante are through as they were able to keep Cruz Azul from scoring, and their 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul back in April did enough!!

This is a HUGE victory for Atlante as they are now representing CONCACAF (North American Leagues) in the World Club Championship which takes place in Japan later this year!!! We still aren't sure who Atlante will be playing as most of the other leagues haven't played their final matches yet!!!

Hubby and some friends enjoying the game!!

I have some video footage from some games, but due to my lack of computer/blogger.com knowledge - it will have to wait for another post! I'll get hubby's help!!!