Fans excited to see Mexico and Peru play set out for a party Saturday afternoon at the Rose Bowl Stadium of Pasadena.
With dancing celebrations, canticos and even food in the parking lot, fans welcomed the Mexican and Peruvian national teams for a friendly match less than sixty days away from the start of the greatest showcase in world soccer –The World Cup
Peru’s head coach, Juan Reynoso, was welcomed into the stadium for his first ever match behind the reins of the South American national team. In a restructuring process after not making it to the World Cup, they faced a Mexico side whose fans are full of expectations knowing the Mexican national team needs to improve quickly.
Mexican supporters like Pablo Munguia who came out with his family to the game were quick to acknowledge the reality of their national team. “Ojala y nuestro México quedara muy bien … pero esta un poquito dudoso,” Munguia said explaining that with teams like Poland and Argentina in the group stage for Mexico it would be very difficult to get past the group stage. In a breath of optimism he added, “no está al cien por ciento… ojala reaccionen y le pongan ganas. Pasan a cuartos de final.” Aware that Mexico is sharing the group with superstars like Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandoski, Munguia remains hopeful that his team will make it to the quarter finals.
Other fans like Eduardo were excited to support Mexico. “All I am hoping for is that they make it to that fifth game,” he said with a clear expectation of a great performance by his team in the upcoming World Cup.
With Qatar’s World Cup set to start on Nov. 20, the focus of Saturday’s match was Peru; and it all started hours before kickoff. The party began in the parking lot. With food, music and dance the Mexico and Peru fans joined in the tailgating experience.
Spectators made their way to Gate A where the peruvian “porra” or supporters group began to intone their various songs for the Peru national team. Mexico’s fans did not fall behind Peru’s supporters. Soon after they made their way down to the stadium as well, encouraging their side and singing the iconic song “Cielito Lindo,”
The early minutes of the first half brought little to no emotions for either side with most of the game being played in midfield, yet the fans still yelled and supported their side each time they were close to a goal. Mexico’s biggest supporter Hector “Caramelo” Chaves was seen amping up his fellow compatriots and leading them in song.
Seventy-five minutes in, the fans were more amused with starting the wave than seeing a sad goalless draw on the pitch. After four waves around the Rose Bowl the most important guest made their appearance; the goal finally arrived.
The 62,729 fans in attendance waited 85 minutes for a goal to be scored. It was then, after a corner kick, Hirving “El Chucky” Lozano made everyone’s wishes a reality. From the back post, Lozano put the ball past Peru’s keeper Pedro Gallese.
With the long awaited goal, the game was practically sealed, and the celebration continued. Celebrities like Vadhir Derbez, Diego Boneta and Martha Higuereda made their way behind the stadium where they met Mexico’s starting keeper Guillermo Ochoa and exchanged some heartfelt pictures and conversation.
Now the party continues for the Mexico fans who continue to be hopeful that their team will improve just in time before flying out to Qatar. Their next stop is Santa Clara where they will face Colombia prior to continuing their preparation matches in Europe.