Canta y no llores

MEXICO CITY (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers) – When the doors of Juan de la Barrera Olympic Gymnasium were about to open, two hours before the FIBA World Cup Americas Qualifiers duel between Mexico and Argentina, the entrance line was already very long. A great number of Mexicans were congregated around the Stadium, expecting to see another triumph of their 12 warriors.

Julieta, one of the first to arrive, wore her recently bought jersey with Gustavo Ayón's number 8. “I came to the game against the United States and it was magnificent. And I expect today will be the same. It's beautiful to watch your country's team play at home, and even more so if they play like our guys do,” she commented while finding her seat in the stands.

Little by little the stands started to lose their light blue paint and the green, red and white prism that most fans wore started to appear. Among these there were enthusiasts that enjoyed the possibility that brought about the new qualifying system to see the national team as locals, as well as expert players. This was the case of the trio that usually sits in the first row: Héctor Hernández, Lorenzo Mata and Pery Meza. However, they were all absent this time due to diverse reasons. The point guard, who was FIBA Americas 2013 champion alongside his occasional tribune colleagues and teammate of several of those who were about to jump in the court, commented: “Seeing a stadium this full to see the Mexican national team is something spectacular. A passion for this sport has started to awaken and that gives us a lot of pride.” The fact of not being in the court caused mixed feelings in Meza: “You feel the adrenaline, but it’s different. It's very different to live it from the outside than doing so as a protagonist. It's a special game, against a difficult rival that we know. I'd love to be able to be there.”

The team’s entrance, the presentation, and the anthem were the first moments were the public showed that they were there to make their presence felt. Of course, Argentina’s strong start soothed the fervor of the almost 5.500 Mexicans that went to accompany Iván Deniz’s team. In fact, during the first half there was more time for frustration than for excitement.

“We're playing badly, but we still have time to wake up. We have players with the quality to make it,” warned Hugo, a veteran follower of the Aztecas, from the stands that were behind the Argentine bench.

 During the halftime, the DJ — who, before the game had presented a playlist full of international music — played the Mexican classic Cielito lindo, with its trademark “Ay, ay, ay, ay... canta y no llores (Sing and do not cry)”, which was chorused by the public in an intent to encourage their players. And it worked. During that turbulent third quarter, constantly interrupted by defects in the 24-minute clock, Mexico recovered and even went on to commandeer the game, both in its development as in its scoreboard. The fans acknowledged the effort and the ability of their idols with celebrations that were louder and louder.

During the fourth quarter, the uproar and the percussion with whatever were at hand was a constant ambiance. In a time off, the verse “viva México, cabrones” of Gimme tha Power, by the band Molotov, blasted on the speakers and the fans reacted accordingly. The local side transmitted a good energy and the fans got their hopes up with the possibility of another triumph at home. That was until Argentina’s reaction came around, and they closed the game and left the locals with the bitter taste of defeat. Only some small groups of Argentines — who were wearing their light blue and white jerseys — felt compelled to celebrate seconds before the last whistle.

All the fans reacted with a respectful acknowledgement of the others’ triumph and their own effort. They did not find what they were seeking, but they were indeed a part of a great basketball show.

“We will continue to support our 12 warriors until the end,” said Marco, the last Mexican fan that abandoned the Stadium.

 FIBA