NEW YORK — Despite the noise from across the border, Mexico have so far managed to pull off the most politicised World Cup in history without incident.
Unlike in the US, Mexico is primarily a football nation. They welcome England in the last-16 of the tournament knowing they have every chance of humbling them – not only because of the conditions, the altitude, or the heat.
The Three Lions have staggered to get here, saved by Harry Kane against DR Congo and uninspiring against Ghana and Panama. They head next to Estadio Azteca and a cauldron the like of which they will have never seen before.
“We have that in the blood,” tourism minister Michelle Fridman tells The i Paper. “Everyone in Mexico just loves football. I would say it’s an integrator of society. We’ll have fun – we’ll celebrate with lots of tequila and mariachi music.”
Given the geopolitical tensions in the build-up, Mexico were determined that this World Cup should be a chance to “show Mexico to the world”. They have invested $12bn on hosting matches in Guadalajara, Monterrey and Mexico City.
