Blanco is the anti-Becks

Out here, not even David Beckham's pretty face could buy him a parking spot. Chicago's Little Village -- the Mexico of the Midwest -- is gridlocked on this September Sunday because 500,000 revelers are celebrating Mexican Independence Day with a good old Yankee parade. Many wear the yellow soccer jersey of Mexico City's Club America, and they've come to pay homage to a different futbol hero, parade grand marshal Cuauhtémoc Blanco.

Brian Kersey/WireImage

Cuauhtémoc Blanco has led the Fire's revival.

No player has had a greater impact on MLS this season than the explosive, 5-foot-9 striker. Since coming to the States in July, his creative and controversial playmaking has lifted the Chicago Fire from last place in the East to eighth overall, putting them on pace for a spot in the playoffs, which begin Oct. 25. While mainstream America drools over Beckham's brand name, it is Blanco who has at last made the league relevant to working-class Mexicans, pro soccer's most passionate U.S. fan base.

Leading the parade, an exuberant Blanco waves to the right, gives thumbs-up to the left and flashes his trademark Aztec warrior pose -- think Mr. Universe walking like an Egyptian-- which is a tribute to his namesake, the last Aztec ruler of Tenochtitlan. A few steps behind, boxing promoter Don King (in town to flog an upcoming bout) chants, "¡Viva Blanco¡ Numero uno!"

Too bad King's not around more often. Blanco could use a good hype man. Despite Blanco's having a global rep and superb skills, his signing (his $2.6M salary is second only to Beckham's) stayed under the media radar. The difference is that Beckham, with a model's face and pop-star wife, transcends the sport, while Blanco is simply a player, one from the wrong side of the cultural divide.

Blanco grew up in Tepito, a Mexico City barrio some call the toughest neighborhood in North America. Now 34, with two Mexican League MVP trophies and a Champions' Cup title, Blanco still looks like a man who could hold his own in a brawl. "If you put him in a hard hat and told me he's a construction worker," says teammate Diego Gutierrez, a Colombian-born midfielder who often serves as Blanco's locker room translator, "I'd believe you."

On the field, Blanco sometimes looks like a child acting out, which made his signing a flash point for anyone paying attention. He's a major factor in the U.S.-Mexico soccer rivalry, reviled as a badgering, flopping provocateur. With Club America, his celebrations ranged from comical to crass; he once lifted his leg, canine-style, in front of an opposing coach. He has a history of public feuds with coaches, opponents and the media. Said Fire midfielder Chris Armas when the deal was announced in April: "You just hope the guy can be a team player."

He's been that and more so far. Like it or not, drawing fouls is part of Blanco's skill set. It's one thing to get nicked, another to make sure the ref knows about it. Through his first 12 MLS games, Blanco drew a hefty 53 fouls, setting up the free kicks that helped him notch four goals and six assists. "Forty percent of all goals come off set plays," says Fire coach Juan Carlos Osorio. "He can create those. And he's beautiful because he gets clobbered but he still wants the ball." That toughness has endeared him to teammates. "He's brought this team together," Armas says.

As the parade nears its end, a 32-year-old factory worker named Victor Perez jumps over the barricade with a handful of jerseys. Blanco signs each one as other marchers bottleneck behind him. Perez hugs his hero, and the affection is mutual.

Blanco sees the working man's life as nothing short of heroic. "These people cross the border at great risk just to take care of their families," says the star who ducks into kitchens of upscale restaurants when managers don't let their staffers come out to greet him. He sends them words of encouragement when he gets on the radio and poses for endless photos. "It's beautiful," he says, slightly awed. "With a simple autograph, they go away happy."

Fans like Perez are paying Blanco back with a large and boisterous following, boosting attendance and tipping the balance of support toward the Fire at road games. Maybe the mainstream should take a hint, says Gutierrez, who seems exasperated that America is still blinded by Beckham's bling. "How can you not embrace the biggest Latin star in the country?" he says. "Plus, he's doing it on the pitch. He represents what America is all about."

Thats right, for the first time in 40 years Guatemala beat Mexico 3-2 in a rugby style football match in LA. Which was highlighted by poor refing and dirty play. last time the two played Mexico beat Guatemala 5-1 in Mexico for World Cup qualifying.

Hugo decided to field a team of mainly sub-23 players in preparation for the Olympic games, as He did against Colombia, in which Colombia's senior side beat them 1-0. Guatemala in turn fielded its senior side for game. 

I was there in person to see this game, I saw Guatemala start off strong and scored the opening goal within 7 minutes. Mexico finally started playing football and tied the game by a Carlos Vela shot, which in turn within 10  minutes led to another Mexico goal.

After the Mexican go ahead goal the game started to get dirty, the Guatemalan team resorted to kicks and hard tackles. In turn the Ref failed to control the game and add stability to it. When at the end of the game you book a hand full of players and sent off 3, and 2 trainers, yup the ref was sleeping on the job.

Hugo sanchez did underestimate the fight of the Guatemalan players, Hugo subbed out Vela and dos Santos at the half which proved to be his greatest mistake, I know hugo cant predicate the future, he never thought Mexico would be reduced to 8 outfield players. Even thought the Mexican youngsters manged to threaten the guatemalan goal for the remainder of the 15 mins. In which the ref blew a clear penalty call in the box. that would have most likely tied the game at 3-3. But thats football, the human factor sometimes fails to give the right call.

The game was exciting I enjoyed seeing it. Watching Mexico's future young players play against odds and seeing the potential they have excites me. I know and Anyone who knows a shred about football knows Mexico is raising to be a better team.  Nery, Cacho, Andres contributions have improved the machine but it still needs to be tuned and oiled.

To the stupid Guatemalan fans on the web, its 1 win in 40 years, against 8 out fielded players, majority sub-23. Enjoy the victory. 

Nigeria traveled to cuidad juarez in Mexico to play Mexico in a friendly last Sunday. It turned out to be a exciting game for both sides.

Mexico played its attractive form of futbol, moving and passing the ball with ease, missing chances and making every mexican fan just about fall out of their seats. Nigeria play its usually style fast and physical.

Many people were asking why Nigeria for a friendly? Why not, Nigeria is arguable the best team in Africa, all its players play in Europe, are tall and fast, and very strong. they have Martins up front smashing goals. Nigeria has won youth world cups. They are a top class team.

Nigerians maybe asking why Mexico. Mexico placed third in the Copa America, it plays a sexy Latin American style of play, it has players playing in Europe. All around it has a very competitive team. Won youth world cup, too.

The game turned out to be a draw 2-2. Martins two goals, Cacho two goals. Mexico scored first but the goal was called back for salicdo being offside, Whats funny is that the Nigerian coach was complaining about the linesman because they were Mexican, he must have been comforted when the mexican linesman called Mexico's goal offside. Anyway, Martins was huge that game, He blasted by Johny and scored a bullet that shook the goal frame, that goal silenced the crowd. all i could do was say Damn... poor Memo, Memo did mange to push a Martins shot over the bar earlier but Martins is lethal. I know his Newcastle career is not as it was in Inter. but he still gots it.

Martins did his version of the hugo sanchez flip as usual, but out of respect for the original flipster Martins chose not to flip after his second goal.

The second goal always seems to happen to Mexico when it pushes up to far on attack and the counter happens, Martins all alone, another great goal to the far post by a diving Memo. Nigeria played the counter all game and it worked. Nigeria has its style of play not always pretty, they can string togehter a few passes, muscle around the oppostion, and using their pace and counter. It reminded me of the US style of play.

Well Im sure after the mark 2-0 to Nigeria, they thought they had it won, but No.... Cacho and dos Santos start playing and making chances. Finally a Castro to Cacho Header adds one to Mexico's tally. I was thrilled, as a lifelong Mexico fan you learn to deal with disappointment and defeat, and "almost" factor. But theres always hope for any team.

After the first goal, Mexico like they did it in the first half started up the flow of passes and runs down the flank and gave the ball to dos Santos, in his natural position Gio is dangerous. Gio finally cut the ball back got in the box and was bought down, a clear penalty. there was no dive. Guess Who comes to boot? Cachoooo..... gooooool. He coolly puts the ball in the opposite side of the diving keeper.

So the game ends a bore tie? NO. The game gets spicier, Mexico does do a good job of controlling the tempo and time. Mexico has always manges to blow away chances that could have put the dart in the heart of Nigeria, but the lack of finishing haunts them.

So its getting into stoppage time, Nigeria subs in some fresh legs up front, and guess what it works! the fresh Nigerian forward starts a masterpiece with martins who returns the pass, and Salcido has to chose to commit the professional in the penalty box. I guess if you are the defender you think its better to commit the foul and hope your keeper can stop the shot or the taker chokes and misses. So....... Miss he does! a blast that probably landed back home in Nigeria. Game over. Well deserved tie.

From the atmosphere at the game and the players hustling on the field, it looked more than a friendly match. Nigeria is gearing up for the African Nations Cup. Mexico for qualifiers. Football fever is catching.

In all in all it was a match. the way football should be, pump full of life.

As you know US has put in a bid for the 2018 WC, Mexico put in a bid early this year to host for the third time. Canada has not placed a bid yet but im sure they will.

So what do you think? Concacaf wants the Cup. Brasil for sure will get 2014.

Hosting the cup has great ecomonical benefits for the host country. So i know that is part to the reasons for bidding.

The rest of the Concacaf countries are too small and dont have the ability to host the greatest tourney on earth. They lack the stadiums and financial resources, So its the 3 north american countries only who have the ability to host.

US did a good job in 94, US has the stadiums, and the resources to host again, but is it the right place for the World Cup again? The atmoshpere has to be exciting, full of life. Germany did a wonderful job at that. People were pumped that the Cup was in the their country. Football fever was catching everyone. I can only wait for any Iberian American country to host... Brasil is going to be crazy! 

Truly, Mainstream Anglo America doesnt like football, its a "lil girl" sport to them, Its a Latino or a Ethnic sport. Nothing New, right? Sepp Blatter doesnt want World Cup back in the States for those reasons.... the lack of popularity for the sport. I would love to have the Cup back in the USA, but is it the right place for footballing reasons.

from the tourism aspect, theres not much to US, our culture here is plain. Sure we got the grand canyon, mighty forests of the NorthWest and Las vegas, which was named Americas hottest spot! pretty lame, huh? What else is here? Sure we have dining from all over the world here, and entertaintment. Is that enough?

Travel the outside the US and You will see a big difference, Culture has alot to do with how the passion of the game is. Hooliganism and being a fanatico are too different things also, so lets not get passion and stupidity confused with each other. Really go to any sporting event in the US whether MLB,NBA,NFL and the atmoshpere is like a funeral... boring. I know that the countries playing will attract their own crowds and fans, but for the host country to relie on the visitors for the excitment thats not right. the Host has to set the pace.

So what do you think?

I know alot of people dont want Mexico hosting a third time, because they already did it twice, but once on default.They say its too hot there, and or its a 3rd world country which IT IS NOT! Mexico's economy ranks 12 in the world, and FIFA would never let a 3rd world country host 2 World Cups. So We already know Mexico can handle hosting, too!

Mexico thrives on its tourism, the beaches, jungles, ancient native american ruins, old euro cities with spanish and french influence to name a few.

We already know futbol is a religion here. the "mexican wave" was invented here, now its in all kinds on sporting events here in the states and world. So the footballin vibe will be well off alive and kicking there.

regardless of the stereo types of mexicans, the people are friendly, the food and beer are good. Its pretty much the same for any latin american country. So why dont let Mexico host again.

What Do you think?

Canada, host the recent under WC, they did a good job, until the Chilean "thing" happened. Canada got some beef for the way it was handled.

Canada does have the means to host, stadiums, resources.

I have been to Canada, not really a tourist hotbed. its very green and snowy in the winter. The influx of immigrants to Canada from Portugal and Italia etc, have started to make football more popular, since its a hockey country, even thought heres some Brits and frenchmen living in the country.

On the same note as the US can it inject life to the World Cup if it hosts it, or will it merely sustain it?

Nothing is written in stone who will host in 2018, since we are Concacaf, it is of interest to us.

P.s. If you write something stupid, you look stupid. Keep the racist ignorant comments to yourself.