The Mexico Men’s National Soccer Team beat Trinidad and Tobago 3-1 on an emotional night that had a minute of silence to remember the 369 lost lives to the Mexico City earthquake of September 19th. They also held a short ceremony to celebrate the braveness of Frida, the rescue dog.
After a minute of silence, the crowd erupted into applause, and the stadium’s sound system played Cielito Lindo. Fans also heard “¡Fuerza México!” on the speaker, and they all joined in, starting the night with a sense of pride.
Twenty-five thousand fans witnessed the short ceremony that saw the Mexican lineup respect a minute of silence with their fists held high above their heads in a demonstration of solidarity. The Alfonso Estrada stadium in San Luis Potosi hosted the ninth CONCACAF hexagonal match-up to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Shahdon Winchester gave his team the lead, but Hirving Lozano equalized the score minutes after entering the field as a substitute. Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez and Hector Herrera each scored a goal to give Mexico the win, reaching 21 points at the top of the group.
Before the game started, players like captain Andres Guardado and Hector Herrera, gave Mexico jerseys to members of the Red Cross, the army, the marines, and groups of canines that helped in rescue missions. When Frida hopped on the field, the stadium went crazy for her and started chanting, “Oe oe oe, Frida, Frida!”
The earthquake that shook Mexico City had a magnitude of 7.1, which was the strongest the city has ever felt. Although the damage was spread everywhere throughout the city, many citizens came together to help clear rubble and donate supplies.
Since the earthquake first hit, Mexico’s National Soccer Team and its players have raised awareness and funds for the victims. Miguel Layun and Chicharito started a campaign named “#YoXMexico” to help those affected by the quake, raising over $250 million.
As for the Mexico team, they’ve already accomplished getting their ticket to Russia, but they won’t take their foot off the gas pedal. Coach Juan Carlos Osorio says they will still try to get all points possible from the remaining matches.
In a recent press conference, the Colombian said, “The most important thing is that we achieved our objective which was giving the country of Mexico an early and healthy qualification. We’ve shown that our team competes as a visitor and a host, and that’s more important than any statistic.”
This article was inspired by Slate//Watch Mexican Soccer Team Honor Frida the Rescue Dog in Emotional Ceremony