Mexico is the place of my birth.  It is a beautiful country full of beautiful beaches with lavish resorts,

important archaeological sites,

amazing food,

and a perenially underachieving National Soccer team that is guaranteed to make it out of the Group Phase of every World Cup and lose the first elimination game.  El Tri, as the National team is known, has done a fair bit better in the Copa America since the South American soccer confederation decided it could make more money by inviting them to the 1993 Copa.  Mexico has repaid the favor by finishing in the top three five times and as runner-up twice.

Since the tournament is being held in the US, Mexico will have a YUUUUGE home-field advantage as the stadiums will be packed with Mexicans.  Don’t tell Trump.

Thus, I expect Mexico to do well this tourney.  The roster, as shown below, is stocked with a mix of players working in European leagues as well as the Mexican League, Liga MX.  No MLS players here, thank you very much.

Here is Mexico’s first round schedule:

JUNE 5

MEXICO

VS

URUGUAY

GLENDALE, AZ

University of Phoenix Stadium

8:00PM ET

JUNE 9

MEXICO

VS

JAMAICA

PASADENA, CA

Rose Bowl Stadium

10:00PM ET

JUNE 13

MEXICO

VS

VENEZUELA

HOUSTON, TX

NRG Stadium

8:00PM ET

Three games within a few hours’ drive from the border against two crappy teams and an admittedly good team but playing its first game together in a long time?  Yes, thank you!  I see the best case as 3 wins out of 3 and then let’s see what happens in the other groups.  Even if they were to lose (not likely) or tie (a little bit more likely) in the first game against Uruguay, I still see them getting out of the first round.  If they don’t, heads will roll.  Quite possibly literally.

Yeah, there is a reason my parents left and I thank them every day that they did.  It’s a nice place to visit and the people are wonderful, but, as millions can attest, you wouldn’t want to live there.  Visiting and spending money is more than ok, though.