Norman Darcy, a former performance director for U.S. Soccer and the German Football Association, likens playing at the Azteca Stadium to the mindset required in Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic exploration. Shackleton’s journey aimed to cross Antarctica in 1914 but turned into a survival story when his ship was trapped in ice. His crew’s eventual escape became legendary, showcasing resilience in the face of daunting challenges.
Darcy uses Shackleton’s experience to prepare England’s players for their match in Mexico City. While England’s team may not face harsh Antarctic conditions, they will contend with other elements such as high altitude. The Azteca sits at 7,220 feet above sea level, enhancing the difficulty for visiting teams. Additionally, the passionate Mexico fanbase is known for taking every possible advantage.
“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.”
This famous job posting from Shackleton mirrors the intensity of the Azteca atmosphere. Former players and teams have faced not only Mexico’s skill on the field but also disturbances like loud music and fireworks aimed at disrupting opponents. Ecuador experienced this firsthand, leading to their federation lodging a complaint.
Off the field, the Azteca has been notorious for its hostile crowd. Charlie Davies, a former U.S. player, recalled being pelted with objects during a match. Jozy Altidore described having unpleasant substances thrown at him. Although renovations have made the stadium slightly less hostile, it holds a formidable reputation. Mexico’s unmatched record at Azteca includes never losing in 10 World Cup matches and conceding only four goals in the 2020s.
Darcy emphasizes the importance of mental preparation, likening it to military training. By preparing for worst-case scenarios, athletes can face unexpected challenges with confidence. This strategy starts months before a game, with careful planning on security and player performance.
The U.S. national team ensures strategies for dealing with hostile environments. Before a World Cup qualifier at Azteca in March 2022, the team consulted with security experts, ensuring cooperation with local police. Precautions included selecting hotels strategically and assigning fake names to players to avoid disturbances.
Darcy describes several security measures: monitoring fire alarms, blocking unwanted calls, and securing hotel floors with surveillance. Players are advised to stay within the hotel to avoid altercations. Even the kitchen is managed under strict control, with teams often bringing their chefs and ensuring food safety.
The primary challenge at the Azteca is the altitude. The thinner air impacts players’ performance, making recovery between intense efforts more difficult. Alan McCall notes that fewer oxygen molecules affect muscle performance, slowing recovery, and affecting game quality. The U.S. team in 2022 used oxygen tanks and trained at high-altitude camps to acclimatize.
Julian Exposito from Club Tigres adds that the ball travels differently at higher altitudes, requiring players to adjust their gameplay. This was evident when Uzbekistan played Colombia, with difficulty controlling long passes.
Preparation involves diet and supplements too. Darcy suggests beet juice for oxidation and cherry juice for recovery. Blood levels, including vitamin D and ferritin, should be monitored to optimize altitude performance.
Ultimately, once the game starts, it is up to the players to adapt and perform. Overcoming the challenges at Azteca requires mental fortitude, preparation, and strategic execution on and off the field.
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