On a roll in Russia, Mexico beg fans to behave in stadium
>> ROSTOV-ON-DON: Mexico’s biggest worry at the World Cup may be their fans instead of their next opponents, struggling South Korea.
The Mexican football federation was fined 10,000 Swiss francs and warned of further sanctions over a chant by supporters considered to be homophobic during the opening game against Germany.
Fans in Mexico use the chant to insult opposing goalkeepers as they take a goal kick. Widely considered a slur, some argue there is no discriminatory intent.
As travelling Mexican fans prepare to descend on this southern Russian city, players and the federation are imploring them not to repeat it at tonight’s match, in messages on television and social media. The Group F game will be attended by South Korean President Moon Jae-In. “For the Mexican fan, the World Cup is a party. You can see it on the street the whole time. But at the stadium, fans should stop the chant, or modify it, or change it all together. It would be better for everyone,’’ Mexican federation general secretary Guillermo Cantu said.
Fifa had warned the federation, he said, that supporters identified as chanting the slur could have their Fan IDs cancelled.
The Mexicans have reached the last 16 in their six previous World Cups, and are on course to make it seven after beating Germany 1-0. Javier Hernandez tore past defenders and found Hirving Lozano for a stylish goal in the 35th minute.
Coach Juan Carlos Osorio is a fan of reshuffling his line-up — a tactic inspired by former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson — but is likely to stick to many of his opening game starters, relying on his back four to stop the pacey Koreans, led by Tottenham forward Son Heung-Min.
The Koreans, stung by their 1-0 defeat by Sweden, could reconsider their attacking 4-3-3 formation that provided little threat and handed space to their opponents. Midfielder Koo JaCheol said players were studying Mexico on their tablets and had identified Hernandez as the major threat.