Hugo. We need to talk. Or more to the point I need to talk and you need to listen.
I understand you are a legend for Mexico, I’m aware you played 58 caps over a 17-year international career so I get that you walk around with well deserved arrogance, however you have never looked more ridiculous.
To come out after Mexico’s 5-1 hammering over New Zealand and claim you ” beat a team that is no more than a group of buddies who were rejected because they couldn’t play rugby in New Zealand well and they had no choice but to switch to soccer” is laughable and I’m directing that towards you personally not your loose claim.
Yeah I watched. You smashed us. We were out of our depth and if we look into the crystal ball El Tri looks certain to continue on through to Brazil 2014. You can taste it. You’re already celebrating.
We’ve listened all week. Thanks for coming. Stick to rugby. Yada yada. Do we need your eulogies before the second leg has even started? I’m going to say no. Are the All Whites unified and ready to battle for their nation’s pride?
That’s a big fat yes Mr Sanchez, this is New Zealand.
We aren’t a country built on wealth or world-wide recognition, we don’t have Cabo, and the majority of people don’t rave on about our tequila sunsets or name New Zealand as a dream vacation destination.
Those men preparing to run out onto the filed tonight? Most were involved in our 2010 World Cup triumphs, others sat back as teenagers watching on inspired for their chance to represents.
Playing football for New Zealand is their number one priority. The All Whites are no desperate bridesmaid next to the assumed desirable All Blacks rugby team.
In 2010 our nation again came together as one like we so often do. When New Zealand plays we all watch. Wherever in the world, no matter what, somewhere is a Kiwi on the phone or laptop checking scores.
This is our pride and passion you have attacked, so to hear you accuse of our boys being failed rugby stars? You couldn’t be more of a fool.
These players haven’t reached the qualifying stage without relentless determination and they sure haven’t grinded out sweat perfecting their skill set for you to dismiss their credibility.
I’m not arguing we have less or more pride wearing our national colours than your lot and despite your crap spiel I and most of New Zealand believe we have a shot.
See belief is an incredible thing, it has gotten us over the line many times before, it got us over the line when we met your team previously.
Am I dreamer, an optimist? No doubt. However these failed rugby no hopers can beat you tonight.
For one we will have one of out biggest crowds at home backing us, aure you can find amusement in our overall turnout vs Mexico fans last week, for now that’s irrelevant.
This is the country that wins matches it was never supposed to and believes tonight will be no different.
tico1998
Guest
Mexico is lucky to even be in! If it wasn't for the US team they wouldn't have even had a shot at NZ. The disrespect from Chavez is uncalled for. His tears will nourish me when the Mexico team doesn't make it out of the first round of WC.
dasilva
Guest
Final score 4-2 Mexico 9-3 in aggregate
trev
Guest
Hayley 2 points: a) We are a weak football nation and good on Hugo Sanchez for speaking the truth. Hopefully NZF learns from this debacle. Apart from Rufer and Nelsen we haven't produced any decent players. Hopefully some of the young guys push on. b) Lots of people name NZ as a dream vacation destination. Many foreigners rave about its scenery and tranquility (more serenity than Boonydoone). As a kiwi, I'm biased but I've been to about 50 countries (all continents except Antarctica) and I've yet to see more scenic beauty
Cameron Kellett
Guest
+1 if possible
Johnno
Guest
All Whites into Asia, a 2nd A-league franchise in Auckland.
dasilva
Guest
now Jeremy Brockie missed a penalty It's not going there way
dasilva
Guest
Oh well 3-0 now
dasilva
Guest
Mexico are now 1-0 up
Johnno
Guest
nos agreed, i find the 2nd leg of the world cup qualifiers more exciting than the world cup, the desperation is palpable. Ukraine will be shattered. But for the world cup, the more good quality teams the better. Glad France,Portual,Mexico,Uruguay, Belguim all made it through. Greece will be there again , holding there nerve in Bucharest vs Romania seeing out a tough 1-1 draw. They will add alot of colour, playing quality and massive fan bases. NZ, Jordan just can't match it. FIFA is mighty relieved to,France, Mexico and Portugal draw in massive TV numbers,for the tournament, Uruguay there gives Brazil an arch rival, they will get booed the most 1950 echoing everywhere pay backtime. Sweden I would have liked, i hope denmark or a sweden or a Norway can break through and win the world cup 1 day, some good teams over the years, have threatened but fallen short. Russia is going to, FIFA will be happy as russia is hosting next 1. So alot of the good teams have made it, Brazil gonna be much better than WC 2010 in south africa which i found the worst since watching world cups in 1990. 82 and 86 i missed by they were better to. No altitude this world cup, means the ball won't be all weird like in south africa. There is a valid argument for 40 teams, I don't like seeing teams like Ukraine,Romania or Sweden,Senagal,Uzbekistan, miss out on the big party.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
haha cheers mate. I am not sure I had ever seen the public behind the team like this morning (bar 98 of course). Its very very rare to hear the public sing the marseillaise during the anthems let alone during the match! They were behind all players which was great (few months ago Valbuena was booed in paris as he is a Marseille player but not today, same with Evra, Benzema....glad Lucas Neil isn't French) and I really feel that something happened between the 2 sides. Great to have Portugal and Algeria in Brazil too.
Johnno
Guest
It sure was. I didn't even know until today that France is hosting Euro 2016, so not qualifying for WC 2010 was unthinkable. Very happy and relieved the stade de france was.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Yeah this morning was absolutely fascinating. Once Portugal scored it was basically all over but good to see Sweden get some goals. Interesting how little faith the French public seemed to have in its team but I'm sure that will change after this morning's performance. All Whites set to start with Brockie, Rojas, Smeltz and Barbarouses. Should be good to watch how the Mexicans go at sea level :P
Johnno
Guest
Looking forward to this match. Mexico should make it, but stranger things have happened in football. Think Columbia beating Argentina 5-0 in 93 in Buenos Aires. Some amazing qualifiers, this morning. France came back from the brink too, down 2-0 to Ukraine after 1st leg, overturned it in Paris 3-0. Now France going to world cup exciting, nos will be relieved. Portugal, via a Ronaldo hatrick in Stockholm sent Sweden packing this morning. All Whites need 4-0 in Wellington, stranger things have happened. Liverpool got AC Milan in 2005 champions league down 3-0. Croatia also went through today, beating Iceland. Uruguay will advance as they beat Jordan 5-0 in Jordan. Zero chance of Jordan scoring 5 in Montevideo lol, will not not not not happen. No one scores 5 in Montevideo, I don't think Brazil have ever scored 5 there, or Argentina. Looking forward to All whites match, it's on setanta but i got it.