World Cup Notebook: Football in Mexico is Pure and Simple

MEXICO CITY, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Football in Mexico is pure and simple, a passion that runs deep in the streets and hearts of its people.

In Mexico City, football is the breath of the streets. From the Zócalo to the alleys of Coyoacán, children practice dribbling with worn-out balls on asphalt, while adults sweat it out in weekend amateur leagues. There is no glamour of European giants here, only a raw, grassroots purity. The reporter arrived in Mexico City at the tail end of the local league's regular season. Along the Paseo de la Reforma, fans clad in jerseys of Club América or Guadalajara were everywhere. They didn't discuss tactics or transfers, but reveled in a winger's step-over or a goalkeeper's miraculous save. Football here is more of a life ritual. Outside the Estadio Azteca, the reporter met a taxi driver named Carlos. Growing up in a slum, football was his only entertainment. "We couldn't afford good shoes, so we made balls from newspaper and tape," Carlos said. "But the cheers after a goal were the same as watching the World Cup on TV now." His words revealed a pure love for the game. The purity of Mexican football is also reflected in its unique cultural fusion. In the mountain town of Taxco, the reporter witnessed a football performance combined with traditional dance. Players in colorful costumes passed and shot to the beat of drums, as if blending ancient Aztec civilization with modern football. This mix is the soul of Mexican football. Yet purity does not mean backwardness. The Mexican league has nurtured many outstanding players like Lozano and Jiménez, who maintain their distinctive style after moving to Europe. The youth training system emphasizes technique and small-sided play, enabling impressive performances on the international stage. During an interview, a local coach told the reporter: "The first lesson we teach kids is not tactics, but enjoyment. Only true love can produce football with soul." This statement perhaps best captures the essence of Mexican football's purity. As the World Cup buzz approaches, Mexicans continue to interpret football in their own way. No utilitarianism, no calculation, only the primal chase of the ball. This purity brings football back to its original form—a simple and joyful sport.

World Cup Notebook: Football in Mexico is Pure and Simple

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