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Dejection
in defeat

Mexico fans left disappointed

Left, hundreds gather at the Angel of Independence.

Natali Hernandez, left, Antonio Armendariz and Jonny Enriquez sit on a bench in Mexico City after Mexico lost in the World Cup. Nikon D1H, ISO 1600 f2.8@1/8.

Mexico loses World Cup match

Mexican fans love their soccer team. In Mexico, the World Cup tournament team was not only a group of fine athletes playing on behalf of the country, but the embodiment of Mexican pride itself.

The San Antonio Express-News, the daily newspaper for which I work, has a deep interest in coverage of Mexico, so I was not surprised when my photo director asked that I travel to Mexico City to cover fan reaction when Team USA met Mexico in World Cup competition on June 17, 2002.

I went to the Angel of Independence, a picturesque and awe-inspiring monument that is often the gathering point for Mexicans at moments of great national importance.

Thousands of fans were expected to gather for celebrations if the Mexican team beat the Americans.

But the Americans won, and instead of making photographs of thousands of excited and joyful fans, I made pictures of the few sad and angry that wen to the hallowed monument to share their sorrow.

Above, Oscar Lugo, left, and friends sit dejectly after Mexico's World Cup loss on June 17, 2002. Fans had expected to gather at the Angel of Independence monument in Mexico City to celebrate a victory, but instead gathered to share their disappointment.


Soccer fans race through Mexico City streets carrying their national flag. Hooligans run after being chased away from the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City.


Fans seem to work off their anger by playing a rough game of street soccer in the streets of Mexico City.

Photos by Billy Calzada
http://www.billycalzada.com



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