For a place they hate, they sure do love it here.
Somehow, it’s hard to imagine American fans behaving this way. Can you imagine a group of guys from, say, Chicago shouting, "Sam Houston, Sam Houston" - well maybe - but it just wouldn’t have the same impact.
Will Weissert / Associated Press (excerpts)
MEXICO CITY (AP) - Mexico topped the United States 2-1 and the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying group on Sunday, and upheld its 71-year unbeaten record at home against the Americans.
Prolific striker Jared Borgetti and Antonio Naelson scored four minutes apart in the first half, and the United States could only reply through Eddie Lewis in the 59th, the first U.S. goal in Mexico since 1984.
Mexico made up for the Americans’ superior size by outhustling the visitors on both sides of the ball, said Mexico coach Ricardo Lavolpe.
"We were always taking the initiative," said Lavolpe, who received a congratulatory call from President Vicente Fox. "For 90 minutes there was only one team on the field."
The crowd booed the U.S. national anthem and a spattering of fans chanted "Osama! Osama!" before play started, and shortly after Lewis’ goal.
The deafening and rabidly nationalistic celebrations in 100,000-seat Azteca Stadium, at near capacity, didn’t stop when Lavolpe was expelled for arguing in the 41st minute. He received a standing ovation from many while being escorted off the field.
About 100 people gathered for a peaceful celebration near Mexico City’s Angel of Independence monument following the game. A few tried to burn a small American flag but ended up trampling on it.