American soccer fans — and even U.S. Soccer itself — might be telling the Mexican national team and its fans "You're welcome," following Tuesday night's drama that resulted in the US national team rescuing their biggest rivals from the brink of 2014 World Cup extinction.
All is fair in love and war, especially in this instant reaction, social media world we live in today, right? But that doesn't mean the players of the Mexican national team will be sending USMNT head coach Jurgen Klinsmann or any of his players a thank you card anytime soon.
More from The Sideline
- WATCH: Rice football kicker uses soccer trick on onside kick
- Video: College player scores Henry-like goal
- Newest soccer expansion team: Las Vegas Mobsters
And if there was a perfect man to lead that thankless crusade of Mexican national teamers against the USMNT's good deed, wouldn't you just know that it's Rafa Márquez making headlines with exactly those sentiments during a post-game interview?
"Any message to Klinsmann or the USA," Márquez was asked by ESPN Deportes following the game, "after they scored two goals in stoppage time?"
To which Márquez predictably responded, "No, none."
The two commentators in the broadcast booth for Mexico's game against Costa Rica on Tuesday night had slightly less trouble in praising, thanking and hailing the USMNT as Mexican saviors on the night, crying out, "We love you! We love you forever and ever! God bless America."
That was sincerity, that was passion, that is soccer.
What do you think of Márquez's cold shoulder response? Should El Tri be appreciative of the USMNT playing the full 90 minutes to the best of their ability and rescuing them? Or, as a professional athlete, should you worry only about your business at hand, what you can control?
