Norman Darcy, former performance director for U.S. Soccer and the German Football Association, draws a comparison between playing in the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City and the famed Shackleton expedition. He cites Ernest Shackleton’s legendary survival journey when his ship, Endurance, was trapped in Antarctic ice, as a way to illustrate the mental toughness needed for the challenge.

Shackleton’s famous job ad sought men for a ‘hazardous journey’ with severe conditions and uncertain returns but promised honor upon success. This mindset, Darcy suggests, is what England’s players should adopt when facing Mexico at the Azteca, where the altitude and passionate home support create a daunting atmosphere.

The Azteca Advantage

The Azteca Stadium sits at 7,220 feet above sea level, posing a significant challenge with its high altitude. Despite improvements to reduce intimidation, it remains one of the most revered stadiums in soccer history. The home team, Mexico, exploits all possible edges, on and off the field.

Recently, when Ecuador faced Mexico, they experienced disruption caused by local fans, who employed off-field tactics like loud noise and fireworks near their hotel. While Ecuador lodged protests for these disturbances, Mexico continues to protect its home advantage robustly.

Historical Hostility

Mexico’s practices within the stadium have also ruffled feathers. Charlie Davies, a former U.S. forward, described having objects thrown at him during a match in 2009. Jozy Altidore recalled more extreme incidents, including encounters with a television and bags filled with liquid being hurled at the team bus.

The stadium’s formidable record emphasizes Mexico’s dominance: only two losses since opening. During the 2020s, Mexico has allowed a mere four goals in World Cup matches at the Azteca.

Preparation and Strategy

Norman Darcy highlights the importance of mental preparation. Teams simulate hostile conditions to ensure players do not falter under pressure. By preparing for the worst, players can calmly face the intense atmosphere.

Preparation starts early. This includes security arrangements, liaison with local police, and hotel precautions. Former U.S. Soccer personnel mentioned experiences of traffic manipulation by escorts. Yet, cooperation with U.S. embassy officials mitigates many risks.

Hotel location plays a crucial role. Teams often choose accommodations for strategic advantages, either near the airport or centrally located. The U.S. employs measures like on-site security and rooms with blocked calls, preventing fan disturbances.

Adapting to Altitude

Playing at high altitude introduces physiological challenges. The thinner air complicates breathing and recovery during intense activity, impacting both players’ performances and the game’s pace. Alan McCall, a performance expert, notes this results in more rapid ball movements and strained physical exertions.

The U.S. team mitigates these effects by utilizing oxygen tanks and adopting high-altitude training. Leading up to matches, players might sleep in specialized altitude chambers. For nutrition, supplements like beet and cherry juice aid oxygen efficiency and recovery.

Ultimately, despite detailed preparations, once on the field, success hinges on the players’ ability to compete effectively in the demanding environment.