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Hopes that the Reggae Boyz would breathe easier during their October 11, 2008, World Cup qualifier against CONCACAF giants Mexico were dashed yesterday with the announcement of a change in the venue.
Weeks ago, the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) was advised that the national team would meet the Mexicans at the Cuauhtemoc Stadium in the City of Puebla and not the much-feared Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The City of Puebla is sited at 2, 149 meters, just 100 meters lower than Mexico City where the Azteca Stadium is located.
The 100 meter difference gave some Jamaicans the belief that the Reggae Boyz would be able put up a better fight in a less punishing altitude. That belief was dashed yesterday when the JFF received communication that the game will be shifted to the Azteca.
Memories for the Reggae Boyz at this Stadium are not particularly pleasing and some are still haunted by memories of players bleeding from the nose, collapsing or requiring oxygen in addition to a 0-6 defeat in 1997. Only recently Jamaica’s Under-20 girls played three qualifiers in Puebla and took some time to acclimatize.
The coach of the team reported that the girls suffered from burning and bleeding of the nose before acclimatizing. With that achieved they recovered from two early losses to win their third game handsomely but failed to advance.
A number of teams particularly in Central and South America play international games at high altitude which is often a struggle for visiting teams. In May 2007, FIFA president Sepp Blatter citing advice from that body’s medical committee banned the playing of matches above an altitude of 2,500 meters, which ruled out the Azteca.
Bolivia was most affected as they played a number of matches in La Paz, the highest capital city in the world, at an altitude of 3,500 meters. Under the leadership of president Evo Morales, Bolivia courted, successfully, the support of high altitude neighbours Ecuador and Peru. Football legend Diego Maradona added his support to their fight against what they labeled ‘football’ apartheid.
Maradona played an hour-long game in La Paz to demonstrate that if a 47-year old, who has had serious health concerns could play at that altitude then, then fit professionals could do so. President Morales also played in that game as well as playing in another at 5,270 meters.
The ban was suspended in May 2008.
Weeks ago, the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) was advised that the national team would meet the Mexicans at the Cuauhtemoc Stadium in the City of Puebla and not the much-feared Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The City of Puebla is sited at 2, 149 meters, just 100 meters lower than Mexico City where the Azteca Stadium is located.
The 100 meter difference gave some Jamaicans the belief that the Reggae Boyz would be able put up a better fight in a less punishing altitude. That belief was dashed yesterday when the JFF received communication that the game will be shifted to the Azteca.
Memories for the Reggae Boyz at this Stadium are not particularly pleasing and some are still haunted by memories of players bleeding from the nose, collapsing or requiring oxygen in addition to a 0-6 defeat in 1997. Only recently Jamaica’s Under-20 girls played three qualifiers in Puebla and took some time to acclimatize.
The coach of the team reported that the girls suffered from burning and bleeding of the nose before acclimatizing. With that achieved they recovered from two early losses to win their third game handsomely but failed to advance.
A number of teams particularly in Central and South America play international games at high altitude which is often a struggle for visiting teams. In May 2007, FIFA president Sepp Blatter citing advice from that body’s medical committee banned the playing of matches above an altitude of 2,500 meters, which ruled out the Azteca.
Bolivia was most affected as they played a number of matches in La Paz, the highest capital city in the world, at an altitude of 3,500 meters. Under the leadership of president Evo Morales, Bolivia courted, successfully, the support of high altitude neighbours Ecuador and Peru. Football legend Diego Maradona added his support to their fight against what they labeled ‘football’ apartheid.
Maradona played an hour-long game in La Paz to demonstrate that if a 47-year old, who has had serious health concerns could play at that altitude then, then fit professionals could do so. President Morales also played in that game as well as playing in another at 5,270 meters.
The ban was suspended in May 2008.
Paul Marin -19 is one thing, 20 is a whole other matter. It gets even worse if they win the UCL. *groan*. 
05/18/2011.MU fans naah cough, but all a unuh a vomit?-Lazie 1/11/2015
Mistakes galore! 
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