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It’s always fun when you can’t tell teams apart.
Fans returned to Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium for its long-awaited reopening on Saturday, embracing the pre-World Cup atmosphere despite tight security, protests across the capital and a fatal accident inside the venue.
Supporters streamed into the revamped venue for the first time in nearly two years for Mexico’s friendly against Portugal, hoping to get a taste of the kind of atmosphere which will envelop the country during soccer’s global showpiece.
Mexico will co-host the World Cup with the United States and Canada, and are set to open the tournament against South Africa at the stadium on June 11.
“We came from Puebla and we’re really excited to see the stadium and start feeling that World Cup atmosphere,” said Mexican fan Mariluly Cuesta, adding that the experience had been very well organised despite the heavier security presence.
Road closures and a large security operation made for a long walk to reach the gates, but many said the measures were expected for an event of this scale.
“We walked about a kilometre, but it felt very safe the whole way,” said Luis Camarena, a 40-year-old businessman who attended with his family. “We’re just happy to be here with the kids to watch the national team.”
While many had hoped to see Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, his absence did little to dampen the mood.
“We would have loved to see him, especially for the children, but we came for the spectacle,” Camarena added. “This way, everyone is fully behind Mexico.“
Not everyone shared the celebratory mood. Protesters staged a demonstration on a major highway near the stadium, turning it into a makeshift football pitch to highlight what they said were shortages of housing, water, transport and electricity in the area.
Inside the stadium, the festive atmosphere was overshadowed by a fatal incident shortly before kickoff, when a man died after falling from a box seat area, according to local authorities.Reuters
Michael Yokhin has been speaking to those at one of Europe’s biggest surprise packages this season, FC Thun. They are set to win the Swiss league, blowing away more elaborate opponents on their way to glory.
There were a couple of big games in the WSL yesterday.
Tom Garry saw City pummel United in the Manchester derby.
Sophie Downey witnessed an Alessio Russo hat-trick as Arsenal game out on top against Tottenham in north London.
There is plenty of WSL action later in the day.
We will kick-off with Chelsea v Aston Villa at noon, with Daniel Harris on blogging duties.
At the same time, West Ham face the London City Lionesses, before Leicester host Brighton at 3pm.
There was a bit of squad turnover at the England camp yesterday. Some will miss Tuesday’s game through injury, while Thomas Tuchel has packed a few more off.
This what you’ve all woken up for … what latest offerings. I’ve had dozens of emails asking what I’ve been up to recently, so here we are. Reading all this should take up through to lunch.
Yesterday I ticked off a new ground for me, travelling to watch what is starting to feel like the end of Harrogate Town’s time in the Football League. Never have I seen such a blunt side in the final third.
Six players out on loan in Europe doing well …
With the clocks going forward, it was even more enjoyable to take my family to the airport at 3.45am BST today. If there is any reason to read this blog on a relatively quiet Sunday, it is to see at what time I start hallucinating.
Jonathan Wilson has been taking a look at how the helter skelter nature of the Premier League has made all the players ruddy tired.
John Stones’ fitness record is pretty dreadful but Thomas Tuchel is eager to give him every chance to make his final 26-man squad for the World Cup. David Hytner takes a look at the England head coach’s admiration for the Manchester City defender.
Losing at home to Japan is the the best preparation for the Scotland’s World Cup escapades but it’s good to get these things out the way. Ewan Murray was at Hampden Park.
Preamble
A warm welcome to one and all. I hope everyone has enjoyed the clocks moving forward an hour, just so we get to the top soccer chat as early as possible. We will be having a look at what is coming today and plenty of international stuff to boot.
Scotland lost a friendly against Japan yesterday, while England had a squad refresh, which should keep us all interested.
There was also a fun Saturday in the EFL, which is well worth chatting about if you have any hottakes on Football League matters.
