The Challenges and Preparations for Competing at the Estadio Azteca

Norman Darcy, once a performance director for U.S. Soccer and the German Football Association, discusses the mindset needed when playing at the Azteca stadium. He compares it to the Shackleton expedition. Ernest Shackleton was an Irish explorer best remembered for his 1914 Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. His ship, Endurance, got trapped and lost in sea ice, transforming a great exploration into a survival legend. His job posting before the expedition famously read, “Men Wanted for Hazardous Journey. Small Wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success.” Darcy uses this to illustrate the challenges England’s players face in Mexico City against a passionate Mexican team.

England’s players won’t encounter small wages or bitter cold, but they will face challenges like high altitude, playing at 7,220 feet above sea level. Mexico has a history of using every possible advantage during games. Last week, Ecuador was defeated on the field and disturbed off it by loud disturbances near their hotel. Their federation filed a complaint, citing unfair play.

“Boundaries have been pushed further,” says Darcy.

Former U.S. forward Charlie Davies scored at the stadium in 2009, only to see debris thrown at him. His teammate Jozy Altidore mentioned that items, including a television and a bag of urine, were once thrown at the team bus and him personally.

“It was disgusting but it’s real out there,” Altidore recounted on a Dallas radio station.

The stadium atmosphere is less intimidating now with adjustments like reduced capacity and increased prices. Still, it remains a renowned venue. Mexico is unbeaten at the Azteca in World Cup matches and has a strong record at the venue.

Darcy, now with the Chicago Fire, emphasizes preparation. “Think of the toughest crowds, the noisiest stadiums, so it doesn’t catch you off guard,” he suggests. Comparisons are made to military training, where potential problems are anticipated and managed in advance.

USMNT has taken numerous precautions for visits to Mexico and other Central American countries. Before playing at the Azteca in a World Cup qualifier, U.S. Soccer engaged in months of preparation with security experts. Previous incidents, where police escorts seemed to complicate travel rather than ease it, remain unexplained.

At the U.S. team’s accommodations, various measures were in place to protect players. These included hiding room information, providing earplugs, and ensuring isolated hotel rooms. A regional security officer evaluated risks, and several anti-disruption measures were implemented. The U.S. also takes precautions with food safety, even controlling kitchen operations and ensuring that all produce is safe.

Altitude remains a consistent challenge. Conditions at high altitude mean thinner air, affecting players’ stamina and the ball’s behavior. Initial signs were seen when Uzbekistan played Colombia, where players struggled with passes due to the faster travel of the ball. To address such challenges, the U.S. team had oxygen tanks ready and organized altitude acclimations.

Performance strategies include watching diet and supplements, pointing out how beet juice can aid performance and cherry juice aids recovery. Blood tests ensure athletes have normal levels of vital nutrients, like vitamin D.

Darcy concludes that while preparations are thorough, the final result depends on the players once the game begins.