For Mexico fans in Qatar, it’s not just about winning

Followers say that with the financial and safety points they face at residence, soccer is a ‘stress reliever’.

Mexico
Mexico drew 0-0 with Poland of their opening match [Showkat Shafi/Al Jazeera]

Doha, Qatar – Mexico’s group aren’t the favourites on this yr’s World Cup, however that doesn't appear to matter to their followers.

“We dream with soccer, we eat with soccer,” stated Omar Soriano, 32, who hails from Toluco, Mexico. “Right here we're all united to again the nationwide group … that’s what our gamers want … to know we have now their backs.”

Out with their sombreros, palm straw hats, Lucha Libre masks and Mariachi sneakers, 1000's of El Tri die-hard followers are leaving their mark not simply right here at Lusail stadium, however throughout Doha.

Some had their faces painted with the “La Catrina”, a skeletal picture representing what has change into an emblem of one in every of Mexico’s most famed festivals often known as the Day of the Useless parade.

“Soccer is a stress reliever for Mexicans again residence … wealthy, poor, man or lady, soccer brings us collectively,” Soriano instructed Al Jazeera.

Within the well-known Souq Waqif market, it has change into routine to see lots of of Mexico followers singing and dancing, as onlookers cheer them on and take part on the enjoyable, an analogous sight being witnessed on the stadium right now.

Soriano defined that Mexicans are anticipating the “remainder of the world” to expertise and talk their very tradition.

“We're very numerous nation with many ethnicities … we're very pleased with our tradition,” he stated. “Again residence you gained’t see us carrying all this native apparel. However right here, we want to promote who Mexicans are. We wish to be ambassadors.”

Mexico fans
Mexico has by no means crushed Argentina in a World Cup sport earlier than [Showkat Shafi/ Al Jazeera]

Abel Costa, 61, instructed Al Jazeera that progressing out of the group levels can be a “enormous win” for Mexico and supply a lift to a rustic dealing with troublesome financial and safety points.

“Folks again residence have so little … There's numerous poverty and violence. Individuals are simply making an attempt to make it someday at a time,” stated Costa, who travelled to Doha with a number of male members of his household.

“Soccer takes their minds off all the issues they've,” he stated, including that if Mexico wins a sport within the match, “it is going to be an enormous social gathering on the street.”

On Saturday night, Mexico confronted Argentina, a group it has by no means crushed in a World Cup match. However to the followers, this truth hardly issues.

“The stress is all on Argentina. They want this yet one more than us … sure, we have to completely win however they're extra nervous,” Costa stated.

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