Mexico vs. France…

Mexico is about to take the field against France today, and this soccer fan is having a hard time choosing which team to root for.

Both teams enter the game with one point apiece, but Mexico is ahead because they’ve scored more.  France played a largely boring game against Uruguay and finished 0-0.  Mexico played well against South Africa and were unlucky to only draw, or lucky, with South Africa hitting the post late on to almost win the game.

Yesterday, Uruguay demolished the host nation 3-0.  South Africa sit in a unique position, possibly being the first host nation to not get out of the group phase.  Both Mexico and France now have an opportunity to place themselves in a good position to advance, and both teams will want to win.

So who does a US fan root for?  France plays a largely boring game, the team just does not gel.  Mexico can play very fluidly but have difficulty finishing.  Plus, Mexico is the US’s fiercest rival.  Do I hope France pulls a dos a cero?  Well, no.

Here’s what I want.  Mexico, please beat France.  Do CONCACAF proud.  I still don’t like you guys and think you’re a bunch of hacks.  Marquez is public enemy number one to American soccer fans, but this one time, I want you to win.  I know Ochoa has had a poor run of form, but surely one of your two other keepers can strike more fear in the other team than Oscar Perez, who is better suited to be the comedic opening act at a Lucha Libre match.

Edit:  Dammit, Mexico, don’t win like that!  How a ref can call a PK on that, ugh.  Barrera’s dive could be seen five minutes before he did it.  But at least Les Bleus are going to enjoy an early vacation.  They could still go through, but c’mon, we all know they won’t.