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Former USA International Kirovski Praises Azteca Atmosphere
It may be tough, but Jovan Kirovski savored the atmosphere in Azteca Stadium whenever he played there.
Aug 11, 2009 4:34:45 PM
CARSON, Calif.--Jovan Kirovski played for the United States against Mexico in Azteca twice. The first time was in the 1999 Confederations Cup semifinals. The second was in 2001, during CONCACAF qualification for the 2002 World Cup.
As such, the current Los Angeles Galaxy attacker is quite familiar with all the trials the current U.S. squad will undergo Wednesday when it faces off in Estudio Azteca against Mexico in the final qualifying round for the 2010 World Cup.
“It will be difficult for the guys,” Kirovski said following a Galaxy training session. “It's more the altitude and the smog really. Our guys are used to playing in front of tough crowds, so it's not going to make that much of a difference. It'll be exciting.”
The former Manchester United youth player described his experiences there with one word: “Disaster.”
“Just in the warmup you get a headache, you feel it right away,” Kirovski said. “Then you have the fans on top of you with that buzz the whole game. I mean it's a tough place to play.”
However, despite the difficult climate and altitude, the only American to win the UEFA Champions League praised the atmosphere that the 105,000 capacity stadium generates.
“I love that stadium, though,” he clarified. “Playing in that stadium it's a fantastic atmosphere. Out of all the places I've played, that's one of the best ones. But a tough place to play.”
Zac Lee Rigg, Goal.com
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page
As such, the current Los Angeles Galaxy attacker is quite familiar with all the trials the current U.S. squad will undergo Wednesday when it faces off in Estudio Azteca against Mexico in the final qualifying round for the 2010 World Cup.
“It will be difficult for the guys,” Kirovski said following a Galaxy training session. “It's more the altitude and the smog really. Our guys are used to playing in front of tough crowds, so it's not going to make that much of a difference. It'll be exciting.”
The former Manchester United youth player described his experiences there with one word: “Disaster.”
“Just in the warmup you get a headache, you feel it right away,” Kirovski said. “Then you have the fans on top of you with that buzz the whole game. I mean it's a tough place to play.”
However, despite the difficult climate and altitude, the only American to win the UEFA Champions League praised the atmosphere that the 105,000 capacity stadium generates.
“I love that stadium, though,” he clarified. “Playing in that stadium it's a fantastic atmosphere. Out of all the places I've played, that's one of the best ones. But a tough place to play.”
Zac Lee Rigg, Goal.com
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page
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