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.
At NRG stadium.Nathán, ever present in all happy soccer occasions.
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.
The Copa América Centenario is over. For me at least – no more stadium. I got to go to the stadium for all three matches held in Houston.
Game 1: Colombia 2-3 Costa Rica
Colombia’s coach Nestor Pekerman miscalculated and lost the match and the first place of the group. Still made it to quarterfinals. Costa Rica closed the tournament with dignity. Interestingly, this is the second time I see Costa Rica play, and they won both times.
Outside the stadium before Colombia vs Costa Rica
Nice view of the field. Underwhelming attendance.
Game 2: Mexico 1-1 Venezuela
Venezuela did well and was ahead for most of the game.
With my good buddy Alberto García Aspe.
Donald Drumpf was not a popular guy among the crowd.
Maduro was unpopular as well.
Those jerseys are like $90!
National anthems
Good looking fans.
A few days after the Orlando gay club shooting, the full stadium respectfully honors the victims with a moment of silence before the match starts. But only a few minutes later, the cultured Mexican fans go back to their famous gay slur:
I get it, people who are obviously straight think it’s funny and not offensive in this context. But it’s up to those who feel offended to decide whether it’s offensive. Also, the joke is kind of old by now.
Game 3: Argentina 4-0 USA
Oh boy, Argentina played at half capacity and completely humiliated the host team. USA had no ball possession and created no opportunities. In the second half, the American players would stay 3-6 feet away from Lionel Messi whenever he had the ball… they simply stopped trying. Due to happy circumstances and the generosity of some people, I sat really close to the field and was able to see the action up-close.
Nice view. I mean us. Get it?
Field panorama. Messi’s free kick goal looked amazing from this angle.
Posing with a few peasants who sat really far from the action.
This is my view – short video of Argentina’s 4th goal celebration:
On Wednesday, a few friends and I went to see U2 at the Reliant Stadium in Houston. In order to be allowed to buy tickets early to what I thought would be a quick sellout, I became a member of the U2 Fan Club ($!). The concert didn’t sell out, but the General Admission tickets did, so the plan paid off.
I went to Houston last Friday with Jaramillo (and Mr. Johnny Kings who joined us there) to see legendary rock band The Police. Tickets were outrageously expensive, and so were the super-retro souvenir T-Shirts – but I still bit.
We sat in the corner above and to the left of the stage, which turned out to be not so bad, in spite of my initial cursing. Sting is awesome, and so is the drummer Stewart Copeland. Guitarist and one time Cerati collaborateur (an honor, no doubt) Andy Summers looks like he’s their dad.
Public acknowledgement goes out to Juan and Sandra for hosting us, in spite of my usual offensive body odor.
