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You may remember the story; although it seems no-one ever remembers the prelude. Aleksander (Zander) Zitero’s football career did not start until he was plucked from the doldrums at the comparatively veteran age for a rookie - 21. It did not end until he was cruelly dragged back down.
Growing up in Mexico can be tough. It seems like a bustling epicentre of life, a micro chasm of busy central American life, perfect for experiencing a different culture and way of life - while retaining the soul of a city break. Yes, we’ve all read the brochure. However, if you dare to stray to the outskirts of whatever grossly overpopulated city you happen to be residing in you find a scene, which, if put in the brochure, would not fill many trans-Atlantic jets. It is in this scene that we find the teenage Zander Zitero - waiting for his father to return to their two room - for want of a better word - hut, identical to the scores of others in this tiny area of land - Mexico City Suburbia. When his father returns he will have a carrier bag of fruit, bread, and other necessities - this was to last a month. As we see the Zitero family - Mother, Father, Son - was not blessed with much; they were blessed however, with the extraordinary talents of the son.
Fast forward weeks, days, months, years of the same routine, with the Zitero family literally struggling to survive, yet always keeping the hope in their hearts that their Son may (for himself, his parents were completely selfless) make the grade at a level higher than the local team he has been shining in, an make a great fortune, and live the life they are torn apart they could never provide for him. Time, however, was running out Zander Zitero was 21.
Finally a scout spotted the talent which had managed to somehow elude the perception of so many others. “Good things take time; Great things happen immediately”. Within two weeks Zander Zitero was plying his trade in Acapulco for Club de Fútbol Acapulco in the in the Mexican First division (2nd tier down) and what an impact the young man was having (now he had been discovered 21 was no longer a hindrance) Zander Zitero stood out from day 1 in what was a distinctly average Acapulco side, with goals and assists from his position in ‘the Hole’. All of a sudden some of the big name clubs in Mexico were wondering just how this young man evaded their nationwide scouts, and were looking to bring this young man to their club to fill the sacred No.10 jersey, great things were on the horizon for Zander Zitero, yet his heart still ached for the one thing that was not there with him.
Zander Zitero’s parents were immensely proud people, and when their son finally got his break the decided they would continue to live in the way they were accustomed to. Zander knew where to find them if he needed them, but they were adamant that there is no way on God’s earth that they would gain in anything from their son’s success - parents living off their son’s - Unthinkable
Almost as unthinkable as the situation Zander now found himself in: He was in front of a bank of photographers in the 104,000 capacity Azteca stadium holding aloft his America (Mex) shirt with the number 10 printed on the back, with Zitero just above it. He was the golden boy of Mexican football, at 22 success had come quickly, but he was a prodigious talent and more was to come. The transfer fee paid to Acapulco was the equivalent of £2,000,000 and his weekly wage was the equivalent of £20,000 per week. His parents would have to better their lifestyles now, he would insist on it.
When he reached his parents hut there was the usual damp, the usual squalor. However, there was a dreariness, a depression in the air that was unspoken and invisible. After growing up in such a dangerous, horrendous environment you learn to read invisible signs, and upon first entering the hut and looking in his father’s eyes Zander was literally winded as he read the signs - his mother was dead. After the most emotional and private of discourses, of which I have not the life experience to speculate what was said, Zander emerged from the hut with knowledge that could either destroy him or make him stronger: His mother was killed in the crossfire as two rival gangs attacked each other - the army was drafted in, several innocent bystanders were injured or killed from one of the 3 streams of gunfire, his mother was one of those killed. Zander would now either blame himself for not insisting his parents move out of this place; or he could understand that it was simply a mindless tragedy which could not be avoided. With the help of his father he managed the latter.
Zander and his father made a pact. Zander would not give his father monetary help, but he would use his star status to get him a job in the city, in a safer environment, and he could still make his own way. He and his father went their separate ways, and after this pre-season trauma for the 22 year old the whole of Mexico waited to see how Zander would react.
The next three years answered that question: 42 Assists; 37 Goals. 32 Caps; 12 Goals; 1 Copa America; 1 Gold Cup; World Cup 4th Place. Any doubt was long forgotten, the 25 year old was hot property. “Brazil had Pelé; Argentina had Maradona; We have Zitero” they said on the streets.
Unsurprisingly the Mexican lend-in-the-making was of to Europe. Italian giants Lazio paid the equivalent of £13,000,000 on a 3 year contract for the playmaker who was making tongues wag all over the World. However, the magic didn’t quite shine through in Italy, defences were tight and they knew his strengths, his reputation had proceeded him, the big teams got their best destroying midfielders to stick with him for 90 minutes, and the less talented teams kicked him off the park, added to this (or perhaps because of this) he suffered lots of niggling injuries and suspensions due to his increasing frustration at the rough treatment meant he was labelled ‘Temperamental’, ‘a flop’, ‘enigmatic’, and most hurtful to him ‘not good enough’.
After 3 years in Italy, Zander headed back to Mexico to see his father and to discuss further career options - of which there were many, as he had still been delivering for Mexico throughout his ill-fated spell in Rome. Little was he to know this spell in Mexico was to be more ill-fated.
Zander conducted discussions in the Mexicano Hotel in Mexico City with many clubs but it was England that most lured him, and while still in Mexico he signed a £13,000 p/w contract to play for Chelsea in the next season - he was looking forward to it, at 28 he was at his supposed peak. He was off to tell his father the good news.
11 p.m Mexico City. Everyone knew Zander, he was a Mexican legend despite his failing in Italy, people were asking for his autograph, he was laughing, he was joking, he was lying face down on the concrete with his skull cracked. To this day the motive is unclear, jealousy is presumed as the reason. With living conditions the way they were in Mexico it seems not everybody loves somebody who is well of and does not have a financial care in the World.
The crack in the head healed, Zander would have been comparatively happy if the attacked had stopped there, but as Zander looked at his legs it was clear the attacked hadn’t. Aleksander ‘Zander’ Zitero - potentially the greatest Mexican footballer to have ever lived - would never play football ever again.
The British press had a field day with the story, dragging up the death of Zander’s mother, gangland connections, drugs, fights, anything that was in anyway related to Zander’s upbringing - and writing it in such a way that it seemed like Zander sought out these pastimes as opposed to - as was true - having them all around him as he grew up in the slums. As the first line of this introduction suggests: all of Europe remembers the tabloid stories - nobody cares about what went before.
Maybe they’ll care about what is still to come.
07-10-2004, 08:13 PM
Mexico Remembers; Europe Shall be Reminded Post #2
Most footballers have a tough time when they have to give up the game, after all it is what nearly every boy dreams of doing as a career. One can only imagine what it feels like to have your dream career snatched from you as it was entering it’s prime.
However, as we have learned, Zander Zitero has endured many things in his life and always come out on the other side, and now, as we look to the future Zander is once again looking to come through another disaster and make the best of things. By giving back to the club that gave him so much.
Aleksander Zitero is the new manager of the club where he became the Mexican legend he is today - America (Mex). Although the 31 Year Old Zitero who was capped 67 times for Mexico has no experience in management the board of directors believe his experience in World football as well as God-like status he holds in Mexico can help to motivate the players and bring success to the Central American Giants.
07-11-2004, 04:46 PM
Mexico Remembers; Europe Shall be Reminded Post #3
When Zander Zitero used to receive the ball, on the sacred turf of the Azteca, there was a hush: 104,000 people all silent in anticipation of some new piece of magic; a goal or an assist for them to marvel at - it was a type of hushed awe. That same hushed awe was present as Senor Zitero entered the players lounge in the Azteca to meet the group of players he is hoping to lead to glory.
Some of the younger players were, inevitably, nervous, so the seasoned pro’s made the introductions: Duilio Davino, Pavel Pardo and Cuetemoc Blanco - who hold a combined 191 Caps for Mexico - introduced the new man in charge to the first team squad. Although to be honest in the last 3 years Zander had spent in Mexico he had seen a lot of football so he hardly needed introduced to the players from one of the biggest teams in Mexico:
Goalkeepers
Alberto Becerra(Age 24 / Mexican: Uncapped): For the last three years Becerra has been understudy to 36 year old Alberto Rios, It remains to be seen if that will change this season - his age is most definitely a tick in his box. Best Attribute: Communication
Alberto Rios(Age 36 / Mexican: 31 Caps): Has the quality to keep the number one jersey but if he becomes a liability, or is too prone to errors and his age shows then Becerra shall gleefully take his place. Best Attribute: Experience
Defenders
Alberto Macias (SW/DC) (Age 33 / Mexican: 5 Caps): Alberto has been backup for the last while at America and that will be no different in my reign, he is an able deputy, nothing more. Best Attribute: Willingness
José Antonio Castro (DR) (Age 22 / Mexican: Uncapped): Jose looks like real quality, I’m surprised there have been no international caps for this right back, although that should change if he - and consequently, we - have a good season with him at the forefront. Best Attribute: Pace mixed with Youthful Exuberance
Ángel Gonzalez (DR) (Age 21 / Mexican: Uncapped): This guy will be backup for Castro, hence I really hope Castro doesn’t get injured, this kid looks poor and I’ve never understood how he made the grade here. Best Attribute: Luck?
Carlos Infante (DL) (Age 21 / Mexican: Uncapped): Carlos will begin the season as second choice left back but has the quality to put the man that follows under some real pressure. Best Attribute: Steady
Israel Martinez (DL) (Age 22 / Mexican: Uncapped): As we have said, Israel will be first choice left back but will have to keep his performances representative of his ability otherwise Israel may have to surrender his territory ( ) . Best Attribute: Great Long Shot
Álvaro Ortiz (D/AM LC) (Age 25 / Mexican: 3 Caps): Álvaro’s a great guy to have in any squad, has the attitude and ability to play in a number of positions, and for this fact he will be a vital part of the squad this season. Best Attribute: Versatility
Duilio Davino (DC) (Age 27 / Mexican: 75 Caps / 1Goal): Duilio is a wonderful player, a great defender and eventually a great captain - the eventually is in there because he decided having a broken leg would be a real swell way to greet the new boss - see you in 7 months Duilio. Best Attribute: Natural Born Leader
Ricardo Rojas (DC) (Age 29 / Chilean: 23 Caps): Ricardo is another good defender, not in the Davino class but he will certainly do a good job. I would have loved to see Rojas and Davino form a great centre-back pairing for the whole season but no-can-do and we‘ll have to look around the market for someone with the class to play Mexican Premier League football along side Rojas at the back in the meantime. Best Attribute: Dominant Defender
Raúl Alberto Salinas (DC) (Age 24 / Mexican: Uncapped): Raúl will be a good solid squad player, capable of doing a job when called upon and players like that are invaluable over a season. But he and I both know he cannot fill Davino’s boots and I will have to look to the Transfer market. Best Attribute: Reliability
Midfielders
Juan Mosqueda (DM R) (Age 18 / Mexican: Uncapped): Juan does not look a very good player at all, nor does he look like he has the potential to become a good player. Nevertheless we’ll keep him as part of the first team squad and see how he develops - chances are you wont be seeing his name in too many match reports. Best Attribute: Pass.
Pavel Pardo (DM RC) (Age 26 / Mexican: 85 Caps / 2 Goals): Pavel will undoubtedly be at the base of the diamond I am planning on playing. He has a wealth of experience as well as being a very, very good player. He’ll be vice captain behind Cuatemoc. Best Attribute: Class Combined with Workrate = Rare
German Villa {DM C) (Age 30 / Mexican: 72 Caps): A very able replacement if Pardo is not available, as you can see German has plenty of International experience himself as well as having played over 240 games for the club. Great to have this kind of competition over the role at the base of the diamond. Best Attribute: Bravery
José Raymundo Valencia (M RLC) (Age 18 / Mexican: Uncapped): I’ve brought this kid up from the Under 18’s because he looks like a real prospect as well as being very versatile. When you consider Mosqueda was already in the first team squad when I arrived José is fully justified with his place in the squad. Best Attribute: Determination
Ignacio Torres (AM R) (Age 19 / Mexican: Uncapped): Ignacio looks like another good prospect but it worries me that he is really the only out and out right winger I have - I’m just not sure he has the quality at this moment in time to deal with two gruelling Championship stages a year.Best Attribute: Pace
Chuy Mendoza (AM/F L) (Age 24 / Mexican: 9 Caps / 3 Goals): At least this man makes sure I do not have the same worries on the left as I do on the right - Chuy has all the attributes to carry the fight to the left flank from his position on the left of the diamond, he’ll be a big player this season, I’m sure of it. Best Attribute: Good Ol’ Fashioned Winger
Christian Patino (AM/F L) (Age 27 / Mexican: Uncapped): An able deputy for the much more talented Mendoza, and he has the talent so that I can now stop worrying about this area of the field - two good left wingers already part of the squad. Best Attribute: Pace
Attackers
Sergio Blanco (F RLC) (Age 21 / Uruguayan: 1 Cap): Sergio is only on loan at us from Montevideo Wanderers for a year, nevertheless we will look to make good use of him in his time here, he can play up front or in midfield so his versatility should mean he will see a good deal of football this season. Best Attribute: Acceleration
Diego Encarnación (F RC) (Age 17 / Mexican: Uncapped): I’ve brought Diego up from the Under 18’s to make sure he gets his share of football over this season to aid his development, as, with the right nurturing I think this kid could be special. He’ll act as back-up for the strikers this season - although if a crisis hits he has the sheer ability to play in the Hole. Best Attribute: Heart of a Winner
Cuauhtémoc Blanco (F LC) [i](Age 30 / Mexican: 41 Caps / 16 Goals): Blanco will be America (Mex) captain in the absence of Davino, as well as being the most important player on the field - he will play in the hole and he will have orders to help build the play when it is developing centrally, but when the ball is with the wingers he’s to push up and make a third striker - In theory he should get plenty of goals and assists this season. Best Attribute: Genius
Franky Oviedo (F C) (Age 29 / Colombian 22 Caps / 2 Goals): Franky will be a busy boy this season, he will be the first choice backup for Blanco in the hole as well as also being high up in the pecking order of out and out strikers - so he’ll be playing a lot of football with no real consistent position, I hope he can handle it. Best Attribute: Flair
Oscar Ariel González (S C) (Age 28 / Argentinean: Uncapped): The first real out and out striker we’ve come to. Oscar is good in the air and is a decent finisher, and if it comes to it I will play him up front, however his overall game is quite poor and ideally I would like to get a more complete striker in to partner and complement Navia’s game. Best Attribute: Aerial Prowess
Christian Zepeda (S C) (Age 18 / Mexican: Uncapped): Another kid I plucked from the Under 18’s. Christian is raw and his overall game leaves a lot to be desired, however he is lightening quick and is a lethal finisher, and with our lack of predatory strikers he may be a dark horse to grab a few goals this season. Best Attribute: Swift and Lethal
Reinaldo Navia (S C) (Age 25 / Chilean: 15 Caps / 1 Goal): Navia is first choice striker by a country mile, has fantastic striking attributes: pace, finishing, heading. I’ll be looking - both in the squad and in the transfer market - for someone with the capabilities to partner Reinaldo.Best Attribute: Clinical
Zander looked around all the players he had called into the players lounge - they were his first team squad. He could see stars, he could see stars in the making, he could see journeyman - he could not yet see a team, however that is the purpose of Pre-season. Zander Zitero was well known in World football and because of this America (Mex) had plenty of offers for freindlies from all over the globe. Zander decided he didn’t fancy going back to Europe so offers from Spanish, Dutch and English clubs were rejected, nor did he want to stay in Mexico so offers to play in pre-season tournaments (some to celebrate his own career) were rejected - so he decided he would take up the offer from the NY/NJ Metrostars of the US of A to play a match in their magnificent Giants stadium as well as having a 5 day training camp to build solidarity.
However, before (or perhaps during) the trip to America Zander Zitero will have to think seriously about new players. He has decided he needs a centre back, as well as a right-winger, and perhaps a new striker I the £1.6 Million budget stretches that thin.
But for now let us leave the players lounge and leave the new manager discussing the forthcoming season with his first team squad. We shall meet them again in New York.
07-11-2004, 07:26 PM
Mexico Remembers; Europe Shall be Reminded Post #4
New York, New York (C‘mon, you all know the words)
Zander Zitero has a purpose in management, of course his first goal is to achieve as much success with his beloved America (Mex) as possible, however he has bigger fish to fry - he has a legacy to rebuild. As we have seen from looking at Zander’s upbringing: his family were very proud and honourable people - good people, although at times it was impossible to escape the evil around them. Zander has taken these traits from his parents, and this is why the degradation of his reputation in Europe by the media is so hurtful to him. The thought of being remembered as a gang member, a drug taker, a thief, a delinquent is just unacceptable and feels like a dagger through the heart every time he thinks of the very concept.
This is why Zander Zitero has gone into management, he will eventually get into management in Europe and start writing his own legacy, a legacy of a career built up through sheer dedication to football while others were resorting to crime and drugs, before being tragically cut short, before he bounced back to become a successful coach. That is a legacy he could happily live and die with.
But that us leave the future where it belongs: in the future, and head to New York, with Zander Zitero in the Dressing room of the Giants stadium (surrounded by people untouched by the lies of European journalism; people who still look at him with a glint in their eye signifying they are looking at a living legend) giving some final words of instructions to his players before they head out to face the NY/NJ Metrostars.
There were no new faces in this dressing room, although we, the reader, can rest assured that Zander has been doing his utmost to rectify that situation, and we should expect announcements regarding new faces soon. In fact the dressing room is actually missing a few key players: Pavel Pardo, Cuauhtemoc Blanco, and Alberto Rios are all away playing in the Gold Cup, and if Mexico make good progression in that tournament those three players will miss the first game of the season: The PrePre Libertadores Phase (a group phase which decides the Mexican team to make it to the Copa Libertadores) match against Morelia.
Even considering this fact, the ever-patriotic Zander Zitero could not bring himself to will an early exit for Mexico, and conveniently just before kick-off in New York he heard that Mexico had beaten Canada 2-1, with Blanco getting the ultimately decisive goal. He let out a broad smile and told the lads the score, there were cheers all round, and Zander Zitero sent the lads out in high spirits.
America (Mex): (4-1-2-1-2) GK - Becerra, DL - Martinez, DR - Castro, DC - Salinas, DC - Rojas ; DMC - Villa ( c), MR - Torres, ML - Mendoza, MR - Torres, AMC - Oviedo; SC - Gonzalez, SC - Navia
The opening stages of this match were certainly a sign of things to come as both sides had relatively clean cut chances, which were screwed wide and rather raw, pre-season-esque fashion, as you might expect. The other noticeable fact being the distinct lack of marking by both sides, and focusing particularly on America (Mex) this was leaving plenty of space for Oviedo to exploit his relatively free role floating between midfield and strikers.
With both sides seemingly exchanging tips on how to defend really badly the major surprise was that the match almost made it to half time with a blank score sheet. Almost. Not a surprise however was the scorer of the goal when it came in the 44th minute, as Franky Oviedo did exactly what the coach asked of him: getting up and making a third striker, and it paid off as he - unmarked - got his head on to a Torres cross to make it one-nil, sending the surprisingly his 17,913 crown into a state of mild applause.
Only into the second half into his first match in charge and Zander Zitero was already ground breaking - No changes, clearly looking for some continuity, which he got. Only three minutes into the second half Chuy Mendoza got to the bi-line and cut back a great ball to the penalty spot where a gleefully unmarked Oviedo claimed his second of the game.
That second goal represented a watershed in the match with America (MEX) seemingly deciding the game was over as a contest. Thus for the next forty minutes Zander Zitero’s side looked distinctly average. With the only player looking good being Becerra - succeeding in retaining America’s two goal lead, until the 60th minute when Salinas rather clumsily brought down Sergio Alejandro Galván in the box. A booking was distributed - as was the penalty, in to roof of the net, by Galván himself.
This set up a frantic last half hour with Metrostars going for broke for the equaliser but stuggling to break down Zitero’s Yellow Mexican wall - would the Alamo be to obvious a cliché? Culminating in a great period of injury time….
Metrostars finally broke through America (MEX)’s defence, and Brian Phillips went one on one with the keeper, and he even had support, he could have easily played the ball to his left for a tap in and a last gasp equaliser. Instead Philips acted the way Americans act best - Unilaterally, and blasted the ball over the bar. Then, as so often happens in football Zitero’s side nailed the sucker punch: a long ball put Gonzalez and Navia 2 on 1 with the last Metrostars defender, and with the rest of his team chasing the equaliser Navia simply played the ball to Gonzalez, taking the last defender out the game, and one on one with the keeper Gonzalez showed the composure Brian Phillips had sadly lacked moments earlier.
The Ironic twist fairy then turned up and Galván, with a hopeful effort from 20 yards, got the goal Metrostars had been hunting for - unfortunately it was now rendered nul and void, and Zander Zitero’s first game as a manager ends in victory.
After five days training in America, culminating in the victory over the Metrostars, we can be sure Zander Zitero now has a better idea over his players, formation, and hopes for the coming season.
However, one aspect of club affairs not yet resolved are the incoming transfers, and with squad relatively bare of proven quality players that will be very important. Mind you, one look at the smile on Zitero’s face as he sits at the front of the coach back to Mexico tells us: When we next return, Zander Zitero shall be parading new signings on the hallowed turf of the Azteca.
07-12-2004, 10:41 PM
Mexico Remembers; Europe Shall be Reminded Post #6
Let us float serenely through the congested streets of Mexico City, this is no longer the same scene we read about in the prelude. We are now in the brochure, members of that ‘bustling city; perfect for a city break’ As we rather rudely listen in on the conversations taking place on the streets they seem to all be about football; no surprise there, this is a football crazy city. However today it seems rather more crazed than usual, there is a perpetual buzzing, a talk of stars, “it can’t be” they say. Let us search out the epicentre of this ripple.
It is not difficult to find what we are looking for. As we look over and past the buildings on the right hand of the street and let our vision stray into the near distance we can see the dominating presences of the Azteca, this is our destination. As we approach the main entrance we take a moment to bask in the majesty of the venue, but let’s not stall too long, because the curiosity is beginning to gnaw.
Being - as we are - an invisible spirit here to witness one man‘s struggle to clear his rebuild his good name, we have no trouble gaining access to the stadium. As we move through the corridors, gradually following the signs to pitch side, we see more and more of a media presence, all of which seem to be on mobile phones. It seems many journalists are bugging many editors about what we will see when we make it to pitch side.
Finally, after much poetic floating around the gargantuan Azteca Stadium we make it to the point where many-a hail Mary has been said, and where many-a butterfly has ascended from the stomach - the Tunnel. However, we do not emerge for the tunnel in the name of sport and in front of 104,000 people; we emerge from the tunnel in the name of curiosity in front of…… that is what we are here to find out.
As we emerge from the tunnel we see Zander Zitero on the far left with four new signings, all holding up their brand new America (MEX) shirts in front of a bank of photographers. No doubt Zander is having flashbacks at this moment. Today is the 20th of July. The transfer window opens today. The odds were always going to be short that Zitero would unveil some new signings. However the odds on signing the man on the far right of the four new signings would be a great deal longer, about two extra zeros I imagine. And In the name of dramatic tension lets go from left to right (and as we did when introducing the squad lets take a brief foray into the mind of the manager to get his views on the players).
Juan Manuel Azuara (AM/F R) (Age 21 / Mexican: Uncapped): J.M is Good clean competition for Torres and was picked up on a free (always a good thing), he will also serve to make our right wing position look a lot more respectable. On first glance he looks a really exciting player, one to get the fans of their feet. However there is a fine line between skill then delivery and showy then zilch. Best Attribute: Dribbling
Luiz Carlos (D/DM LC) (Age 31 / Brazilian: Uncapped): I am thoroughly delighted with this purchase, he looks an accomplished defender as well as being very able in midfield. Luiz also adds some much needed experience to our young squad. Another one to have the big tick beside his name from having been bought on a free transfer.Best Attribute: Dominating
José Julián de la Cuesta (D LC) (Age 20 / Colombian: Uncapped): At £600,000 from Spanish side Cádiz José Julián represents a glorious bargain. At first he was not to keen on the move however the Almighty dollar swayed it, nevertheless I think he’ll be a megastar here and will definitely be a member of our back four; although where? I’m not sure. Best Attribute: Just an All Round Stunning Defender
Romário (F C) (Age 37 / Brazilian: 84 Caps / 69 Goals): I think it is fair to say, as I looks at the blinding impact of all those flashbulbs, this signing has caused a fair bit of excitement. First of all: Romário can still easily cut it at this level and I have no doubt he will be a revelation this season at America (MEX). Secondly, after being deemed surplus to requirements at Fluminense he only cost us £45,000 so it hardly represents a massive monetary risk. Not that I see him as a risk anyway, from now until June 2005 Romário will Own Mexico. Arriba. Best Attribute: Like Blanco - Genius
Let us leave the comparative serenity of Zander Zitero’s mind and enter the chaos of a big news day in Mexico City. We’ll leave the way we came in, past the photographers still clicking; past the journalists still talking; and noting the continued buzz of excitement emanating from the Azteca. Things are taking shape. Good thing too, because when we next join America (MEX) we will be in Chicago as they play the first PrePre Libertadores Cup group match, Zander Zitero’s first competitive match as a coach.
07-13-2004, 01:17 AM
Mexico Remembers; Europe Shall be Reminded Post #7
*Argyfwng: Thanks, and no doubt I’ll be learning a lot myself as the story continues.
*PMLF: Good to have a connoisseur of all things South American to keep me right as I continue (hopefully) towards the Libertadores. And you just wait until Romário starts banging them in. I am playing CM 03/04 by the way.
July 2003
Chicago
As we enter the buzzing America (MEX) dressing room in the Soldier Field, Chigago, we witness Zander Zitero facing back and forth like a caged tiger. Only the limp he still exhibits detracts from that aura of greatness he still possesses. He is giving the final instructions to his eleven players whom, he hopes, will get the ball rolling on, again, what he hopes, will be a successful season.
We shall pre-empt the teams and make our way down the tunnel ourselves. As we look at the 26,000 strong crowd it is clear how important this match is to the supporters of these two clubs - it is the first step to hopefully participating in the biggest trophy of them all - the Copa Libertadores. However, one can’t help but think there would be a better atmosphere if this match was being held in Mexico, granted each team in the group only plays each other once so the matches have to be in a neutral venue, but why not a neutral venue in Mexico?
A bit extra for the reader regarding the PrePre Libertadores phase: There are two groups of four Mexican teams, Zitero’s America (MEX) are in group A - where all the games will be played at The Soldier field. All group B’s games will be played at the Rose Bowl incidentally (we can only presume Group A lost the toss). Only the winners of the two groups will move on to the next stage of qualifying for the Copa Libertadores. Which we shall discuss when, and if, America (MEX) are participating in it.
But now we must cease our prattling, as the flares, the rising decibel levels, and the rapidly beating drums tell us the two teams are now making their way out onto the field.
23/7/03
(PrePre Libertadores Phase, Group A) / Morelia Vs América (MEX) / Soldier Field, Chicago
America (Mex): (4-1-2-1-2) GK - Becerra, DL - de la Cuesta, DR - Castro, DC - Luiz Carlos, DC - Rojas ; DMC - Villa (c), MR - Torres, ML - Mendoza, MR - Torres, AMC - Oviedo; SC - Romário, SC - Navia
Zander Zitero’s caged tiger routine clearly had an effect on his players as, for the early part of this match, they were the only side in the game. In a pleasant polar change from the second half against the MetroStars it was wave after wave of América pressure with Oviedo and Romário both coming close to breaking the deadlock.
The deadlock, however, was not to remain unbroken for too much longer as América finally turned their substantial pressure into a goal on the twelfth minute; and a beautifully worked one too. Luiz Carlos, from the back, played the ball to Castro who advance down the right flank; he played a beautiful one-two with Torres which took two defenders out the game and took Castro to the angle of the box, and from there he dinked a delightful cross to the back post where Navia gleefully rose to open his account for the season with a simple header. Champagne football.
From that point onwards, the second half was a much more even affair, with América seemingly happy to sit on their one goal lead while launching the odd attack into Morelia territory; and Morelia, for their part, not exhibiting enough quality to threaten the America goalkeeper, Becerra. Due to these two factors the second half rather fizzled out, and to amplify the point: the loudest cheer actually came when nothing was going on in the game (we would later find out that it was because Mexico had beaten the USA 2-1 to reach the gold Cup final - a brace from Blanco seems to bode well for the season to come).
Zitero made one change at half-time: Bringing on José Manuel Azuara in place of Ignacio Torres; Morelia, however, simply made a change in attitude.
The change in the balance of the game as the second half progressed was plain to see for the 26,000 in the stadium; Morelia had come out the dressing room with a new verve, with a purpose. Whereas America (MEX) were simply being driven further and further back, to the point where Franky Oviedo - the player in ‘the hole’, the out ball - was residing on his own ‘D’.
Now, as in the first half, a goal seemed inevitable, only now it was for the team in the rather fetching red and yellow strip, the only fear on their part would be that they would perhaps be unable to penetrate the yellow wall ahead of them - those fears were allayed in a devastating 3 minute spell. The goal did finally come on the 66 minute mark - as we have said: it was inevitable, and perhaps a more experienced manager would have done something to stop the rot. Antonio Gonzalez was the man who got the equaliser, rising higher than Rojas and heading in from a Mauricio Alejandro Molina corner.
That man Molina, clearly a set-piece expert was on hand again, on the 69th minute to - this time directly - score for Morelia. José Julián de la Cuesta perhaps showed his naïveté by diving in and giving away a foul 25 yards out. The Colombian international - only on loan at Morelia from Envigado of Colombia - stepped up and curled a beauty past a stricken Alberto Becerra. A slight clinch of the teeth betrayed Zitero’s calm exterior - he knew with only 20 minutes left this would be tough; and he knew with only three games in the group a defeat would be very hard to recover from.
As is often the way, a team which defends for a long period of time simply cannot recover, in the remaining 20 minutes Morelia continued to have the better chances, with only Navia coming close for Zitero’s side, flashing an effort over the bar from 25 yards. All in all Zitero’s first game in charge ended with a defeat and with his team limping to the finish line.
Voices are beginning to become raised in the dressing room, this defeat has pierced the bubble of infallibility which surrounded Zander Zitero - he is now a manager, subject to the same criticisms as any other manager in the field. Come, let us leave he dressing room and drift out of the stadium; and for that matter out of Chicago - we are heading to Kansas, for that is where we shall next meet Zander Zitero, attempting to unwind by watching his beloved Mexico.
07-13-2004, 11:15 PM
Mexico Remembers; Europe Shall be Reminded Post #10
Mexico Remembers; Europe Shall be Reminded 
) . Best Attribute: Great Long Shot
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