Club America – What Do You Know?!?!?!

By: Andy | July 14th, 2007

Chelsea take on Mexico’s Club America in the Disney Friendship Cup at the Stanford Stadium, San Jose, California in the early hours of Sunday morning (2am UK time to be precise) or 6pm local time.

But what do you know about Club America?

Club America or America or Club de Futbol America S.A. de C.V. are one of the top teams in Mexican club Football. America play in the Primera Division and their home ground is the maginificent Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, the only stadium in the world to host two World Cup finals.

America was formed in 1916 and their colours are yellow shirts with a blue trim and blue shorts and yellow socks for home games and their away kit is blue shirts with a yellow trim, yellow shorts and blue socks.

Club America have two club nicknames: Aguilas (Eagles) and Azulcremas (Blue-Creams).

America have won the Mexican title on ten occasions the last title win came in 2005 and America are the most successful team in CONCACAF winning the cup five times equal with Cruz Azul.

Other honours in Club America’s history include 5 times winners of the Mexican Cup (Campeon de Copa) and 5 times winners of the Mexican Super Cup (Campeon de Campeones. America has also won the CONCACAF Giants Cup in 2001 and in 1978 and 1990 won the InterAmerican Cup.

Jose Mourinho says of Chelsea’s challenge tonight and of the players and what he expects, “What I want is their condition to improve and the understanding of the game principles. I’m not worried about results, I don’t want the players to feel that pressure.”

The players have had six intensive training sessions in the three days that they have been in the U.S and Jose said “After the sixth session they are very, very tired. On Friday we train only once because I want to give them conditions to play 45 minutes each.”

Amongst Chelsea’s squad are three reserve and youth team players: Scott Sinclair, Sam Hutchinson and Jack Cork. Do not be surprised if one or even all three feature in the game tonight.

Jose has warned of taking America too lightly and he expects a hostile atmosphere in the near sold out 50,000 capacity Stanford Stadium. He said, “Mexicans have a big passion for the game, and they are very enthusiastic because of the way Mexico did in the American Cup. Chelsea brings almost every big name player and its a motivation for them.”

I do not know what the TV coverage in the US is going to be like, but there will be updates appearing on this blog from 1.30am UK time, for those who are interested.

Like Jose. The result doesn’t matter only the performances and fitness of the players. The real action starts on August 12th when Chelsea take on Birmingham City at Stamford Bridge in the first game of the Premiership.

Now that IS IMPORTANT!!!

KTBFFH