MEXICO CITY/NEW YORK –
The Mexican National Team will kick off its 2012 U.S. Tour with games in Houston and Miami against two popular South American rivals. The Federación Mexicana de Fútbol (FMF), together with Soccer United Marketing (SUM), announced today that Mexico will take on Venezuela, the current South American World Cup qualifying co-leader, on Wednesday, January 25 (9 p.m. ET) at Houston’s Reliant Stadium – presented by Wrigley’s Extra® Gum. The tour continues on Wednesday, February 29 (8 p.m. ET), when “El Tri” takes on popular side Colombia at Sun Life Stadium in Miami- presented by AT&T.
An exclusive Visa pre-sale for both games will begin Thursday, Dec. 8 at 10:00 a.m. ET via www.Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Monday, Dec. 12 at 10:00 a.m. ET on www.Ticketmaster.com, by calling 1-800-745-3000 or at all Ticketmaster locations in the game markets. The Federación Mexicana de Fútbol invites fans to use their Visa cards.
Early 2012 marks the beginning of the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying rounds, as Mexico looks to secure its spot in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Mexico, under the direction of Jose Manuel de la Torre, will use the tour matches as preparation for the World Cup qualifiers, on June 8 against Guyana and June 12 against El Salvador.
Mexico v Venezuela – Jan. 25 in Houston
Historically, Mexico and Venezuela have faced off ten times, with an 8-2-0 record in favor of “El Tri.” The two teams last met in March of this year at San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
Venezuela’s national team is a growing power in South American soccer. Last summer, the “Vinotinto,” as they are known by their colors, finished in a surprising fourth place in Copa America and are currently tied with powerhouses Uruguay and Argentina at the top of the table in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers.
Mexico v Colombia – Feb. 29 in Miami
The match between Mexico and Colombia in Miami will mark the 28th encounter between the teams, with a record of 12-9-6 in favor of the Aztec nation. The last meeting between the two ended with a 1-0 Mexico victory in 2011.
Colombia is a contender in the ongoing South American World Cup qualifiers, currently in sixth place in CONMEBOL with a game at hand. Led by their captain Mario Yepes (AC Milan/Italy) and star Radamel Falcao (Atlético Madrid/Spain), Colombia is coached by former MLS star Leonel Álvarez, who hopes to build from their Copa America 2011 quarterfinal performance.
The annual Mexican National Team U.S. Tour, a partnership between FMF and SUM, features up to five matches across the United States. The remaining tour dates will be announced as they are confirmed. Almost two million fans have attended the 40 matches since the annual tour began in 2004.
