Many American fans at Estadio Azteca are watching the game from 'the cage' "Mexico City's Estadio Azteca is known as an intimidating place for visiting teams. In past games, American players have been pelted with bags of urine lobbed at the field.
USA Today
"Thousands of supporters at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City whistled and jeered as the Star-Spangled Banner played over the stadium sound system, with most of the crowd refusing to stand.
"The match was a critical one for the USA, which had endured a shaky start to the final round of World Cup qualifying in the CONCACAF region.
"Contrary to before the last time the teams met, in Columbus, Ohio, in November, the squads lined up separately for ceremonial photos. In Columbus, they bucked tradition by posing for a pregame "unity" photo.
"But it can be an intimidating place for visiting fans as well. Fights are common.
"To cut down on violence between spectators, fans of visiting teams are kept in what is known as "the cage." This is a section of bleachers up in the nosebleeds that is fenced in with razor wire and guarded by about 200 police officers dressed in riot gear.
" 'The cage" is where most of the American fans sat Sunday night — a small speck of red, white and blue in a sea of green and red.
"Even before kickoff, they traded insults with the Mexican fans on the other side of the fence.
"The Mexicans booed loudly when the American national anthem played, and the Americans gloated when their team scored a quick goal just a few minutes into the game.
"But the Mexicans had their turn. Their team scored soon after, and the whole stadium rose up with an ecstatic roar, many people throwing full cups of beer into the air to celebrate. Many in the crowd turned toward "the cage," hurling slurs and raising middle fingers at the Americans. " . . .
USA Today
"Mexican soccer fans loudly booed the United States national anthem when it was played moments before the start of Sunday night's World Cup qualifier between the two countries.
"Thousands of supporters at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City whistled and jeered as the Star-Spangled Banner played over the stadium sound system, with most of the crowd refusing to stand.
"The match was a critical one for the USA, which had endured a shaky start to the final round of World Cup qualifying in the CONCACAF region.
"Contrary to before the last time the teams met, in Columbus, Ohio, in November, the squads lined up separately for ceremonial photos. In Columbus, they bucked tradition by posing for a pregame "unity" photo.
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