So far we’ve showed you what happened before the game and on the field. But the most interesting story is what happened after. Our team of Keith Swift and Alex Ellis went into the locker room and to the after party to find out when and why, two - nil is something to celebrate.
Keith Swift Reporting,
On Sunday in Houston the battle lines on game day were drawn early. In the parking lot at the Reliant, Belizeans wore their pride. For most a t-shirt was okay, few dressed their vehicles, some carried posters and flags, and there were those who painted it on them. The parking lot became one big pre-game bash, or as the Americans call it, a tailgate party – except this one was distinctly Belizean.
Belizean Woman #1,
“I am from the Cayo District, San Ignacio. We came here for the game. It is important because our people from Belize, our boys, are coming to play and we are very proud of that. We feel very proud, very good, and so win or lose we are still with the Belizeans.”
Belizean Man #1,
“I am from Corozal, Carolina and I am right here supporting Belize. I have some ceviche which came from Belize too, fresh ceviche. We are all Belizeans so we have to celebrate Belize and I will feel even better after we beat Mexico because I know we could do it.”
Belizean Woman #2,
“I am from Orange Walk, you see my sign, and I am here to represent Belize and I am so proud of it and I am very excited about this game. It is the first time I know Belize is here so I wish Belize the best. You whoo Belize.”
Belizean Woman #3,
“I am from Orange Walk and I have been here almost 10 years. We are enjoying the game and we are so excited and we want Belize to win.”
And once the Belizean tail gaters reached the stadium, the energy exploded
and crowd expanded into a mob as Belizeans – drunk with patriotism - proudly jumped and waved.
[Belizeans jumping, chanting, and waving]
Belizean Woman #4,
“I am from Chicago, I was born in Corozal and we are supporting our Belizean team. We came a long way and we are going to go all the way – Belize.”
But it wasn’t all Belize – it was personal and intense because for the Mexicans – this game was over before it even started.
Mexican Woman #1,
“Belize is not going to win.”
Keith Swift,
Why not?
Mexican Woman #1,
“Because Mexico is the best. Don’t you see, all the way it is green. All you see here is green. Mejico Mejico.”
Keith Swift,
What you think about the game?
Mexican Man #1,
“3-0.”
Keith Swift,
Are you intimidated by all the Mexicans?
Belizean Woman #4,
“No we are not intimidated. Belize!”
We are now inside the Reliant Stadium and it is nothing compared to what we
saw outside. It is about 17 minutes to game time and you can barely hear me because the crowd inside is just wild. And that crowd included 6 ministers and junior ministers – proudly dressed in their red shirts – and a good showing of Belizean fans. But all that subsided as the countdown to game time
began. First there was the presentation of the flag – and then it was the players.
[Players entering field to thunderous applause.]
Followed by the anthems. First it was the Mexican and then Belize.
[Players lined up on field for playing of Mexican and then Belizean national anthems]
There after it was game time – the Belizean fans were wild with abandon. The world watched the game on Telemundo but Belizeans got the play by play from the Love FM team.
The final score was 2 nil in favour of Mexico. We were in the locker room moments after –and this was the scene. Victor Morales, Harrison Tasher, and Ian Gaynair were all nursing injuries – and they were solemn but not sad.
Shane Orio, Team Captain
“I am disappointed. We lost two to nothing. We gave up a late minute penalty and the first goal there was no kind of marking. But these are things that happen and hopefully we will be able to grow and learn from this experience.”
Ian Gaynair, Team Belize
“I really feel bad right now because I got a little injury and I had
to come out and I think my team needed me. A little while after I came out the first goal was scored so I really feel bad.”
Keith Swift,
What was your injury?
Ian Gaynair,
“Well I got a little knock on my leg here but after while I started to catch a cramp in my calves so I had to ask for a change.”
Deon McCauley, Team Belize
“Right now I feel alright because of the team that we just faced and we showed them that we can play football and I think that everyone in here should not be sad because we do have a second game in Monterrey and anything can happen in that game.”
Charlie Slusher, Team Belize
“Our team played great, our team played good and I think we could have had a better end but the last couple of minutes in the game, I think we fell asleep but I got to give everyone credit for who went out there. The guys were real warriors and I am sure that they made our country proud tomorrow.”
Ian Gaynair,
“I am really sad, I am really sad to see my team struggle and worked
so hard and on the end we give up a goal like that but never the less, we worked hard and I am still proud of my guys.”
Deon McCauley,
“The kind of ball that those guys are playing in Europe, the English premier league. It really makes me feel good to know that we Belizeans can play football at the highest level.”
Keith Swift,
Some people are saying that in some way you guys still won. In your mind is that the case?
Shane Orio,
“A victory? No, we lost. That is the reality. We lost. The only thing we gained was more experience.”
FFB Bertie Chimilio was perhaps the most emotional as he was on the verge of tears.
Bertie Chimilio, FFB President
“We shocked the world today. We gave away 2 goals to Mexico. Mexico did not do anything to win. We made mistakes and for that, for an amateur team, I am very proud of my boys but we have made our mark. I could leave football now because this was my dream. My dream was to leave a mark for South Africa 2010. My work is done. I can continue but my work is done. My dream has been fulfilled. Those who want to take over football can take it after this. After my term is done in 2010, I think I can retire because my dream is done. We won a World Cup series. We advanced to the next round and we gave the biggest team in CONCACAF trouble today.”
The team left the locker room with their heads ups – and for fans that was with good reason because for them – the team won a victory – a moral victory.
Belizean Fan,
“We made it and this is ours and so we are celebrating because we won. We didn’t win the game but we won the spirit. So that is what we have here.”
And after all that, the team moved on directly to Monterrey, Mexico where they prepare for Mexico’s home game on Saturday. Tomorrow, we’ll have more form Houston as the team looks ahead to that difficult match. Again, our trip was made possible courtesy Continental Airlines.
