Soccer!
My team Monterrey qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup happening as we speak in the US, and it’s the first one with the 32 team format. It all lined up so that we could watch three matches all at the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, CA with some of the world’s top clubs.
Four Kirsch boys made it: Moi, Ilán, Ari, and myself. Here’s proof:
Yes, we also did a bunch of Los Angeles things. But those are not for this post.
As promised in my last post, I will dedicate a full post to the Argentina vs Ecuador match on July 3, 2024.
In the “I wish I was my own dad” category and thanks to a massive tip by Diego S. we were able to get our kids signed up to walk out onto the field with the players. It’s hard to overstate what a wild thing this is for two kids that are absolutely obsessed with soccer.
When we signed them up, we didn’t know yet who’d be playing on this Quarterfinals match. But the odds were pretty good that it’d be Argentina and maaaaaaybe Mexico. Mexico disappointed by not even making it out of the group stage. But World Champions and eventual Copa América winners did not. OMG WHAT A DREAM COME TRUE THIS IS ARGENTINA WITH LIONEL MESSI WE’RE TALKING ABOUT.
We had to be at the stadium 4 hours before kickoff which is… a lot. The kids were whisked away as soon as we walked in to get dressed, rehearse, play soccer in the locker rooms, play with Panini albums, meet CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez, and hold the hands of their idols.
The people in charge were fairly adamant that we, the parents, had to stay in our seats tucked away behind the goal during the whole ordeal. But evidently I had no choice but to evade the security (I swear it was tighter than during the final) in order to temporarily sneak out of my seat and into the section right in front of the benches where tickets are a thousand bucks, just so I can get a good look at my handsome boys and a few photos/videos that aren’t worthless. I had to beg an Argentinian whose seat I was sharing not to rat me out. Mission accomplished.
Ari walked out with Atlético de Madrid defender Nahuel Molina, while Ilán walked out with Liverpool’s #10 Alexis Mac Allister.
A few days later, actual professional photographs taking by pros were emailed to us. Below the best of the bunch. Look for the little jewfros.
I told my kids this is their birthday present. It’s going to be a tough one to top.
Our original Copa América plan was overly ambitious:
That’s a lot. Finally we skipped the Austin FC match which was lucky since it was delayed over an hour due to inclement weather.
I will skip photos of the Argentina vs Ecuador quarterfinal match. Those deserve its own post.
My boys, who you may have heard are gigantic Austin FC fans, were invited to be in the Austin FC Starting XI for the last match of the season against none other than defending champion LAFC.
For those who don’t know, this means they come out to the field before the game with the players for the national anthem. Needless to say they could barely contain their excitement – just like their parents!
Ilán walked out with LAFC captain Ilie Sánchez. Ari walked out with Canadian National Team’s goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau.
We’re so thankful to the person that made this possible, we owe you some quality BBQ!
We took a quick one day trip to watch the ultra-overpriced friendly match between Real Madrid and Manchester United in Houston, which happened last night. This is what a good father must do with two soccer-crazed boys.
Fortunately the game was entertaining and the two goals were extremely high quality. Seriously, look at that bicycle kick.
This is the first time I see Manchester United play live. But it’s the second one for Real Madrid: as we all remember, I watched them get their butts royally kicked back in 1990 by a much superior squad.
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, 1940-2022 😢
Last match of the trip, and one would have thought best match of the first round. At the end it was a 1-1 tie in which Spain deserved to win.
Before the match, we went to The Pearl, the artificial island full of fancy things.
The main event. The match with the highest demand for tickets out of all 64 matches including the Final.
We stopped at Lusail Mall before the game.
This was one of the most attractive games for us. It was a good game but unfortunately not very spectacular: 0-0. Al Bayt is both the farthest (about 1 hour drive) and the most beautiful stadium we’ve visited. It’s made to look like a Bedouin tent, impressive.
Another incredible building. It was built around the old palace which still stands and can be visited.
We stayed to eat lunch at Jiwan, the restaurant at the museum. Both the view and the food were amazing so here go some food photos.
