OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) — In Oakland, a much-anticipated match between the national soccer teams of Mexico and Japan is this weekend. But days before the big faceoff at the Oakland Coliseum, the Mexican national team’s training equipment was stolen.
Fans and local leaders say the news is disappointing but they also believe the match is bringing together thousands of people in Oakland in a way like no other.
It’s all over social media — pictures of players from Mexico’s national soccer team “El Tri” now in Oakland.
Local soccer fans are ecstatic.
“I really like El Jimenez. He’s our top striker,” said Castro.
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Ivan Castro is hoping to catch the team during practice on this Tuesday in Alameda.
“I’m a diehard Mexico fan. I thought I’d get a glimpse of them. Unfortunately, it’s a little hard to see from this angle,” said Castro.
So many fans are hoping to see the players in action on the practice pitch.
Other fans eagerly wait for autographs at the hotel in Oakland where players are staying.
“I want Raul Jimenez. The coach – Aguirre. And his assistant Rafael Marquis,” said Alfredo Montoya of Oakland.
There’s a lot of anticipation around the big match between team Mexico and team Japan at the Oakland Coliseum Saturday.
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“It’s going to be a tough matchup. Japan has really been developing over the years,” said Castro.
“I’m getting a lot of requests. ‘Where do I get tickets? How many can I get?’ We have a large Mexican/Latino community here. We’ve got to recognize that soccer is an international sport,” said Councilmember Noel Gallo.
But days before the match, an unexpected setback for Mexico’s national team. Police say thieves broke into the team’s equipment truck and stole training materials.
A representative from the Mexican national team told ABC7 News that someone broke the locks on the utility truck parked near the team’s hotel in downtown Oakland.
Thieves took off with a number of items including resistance bands and rolls of training gear used during practice sessions according to ESPN.
“It’s sad it happened. If I could say sorry to the players, I would,” said Montoya.
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“Unfortunate – you know. It’s kind of expected in Oakland. I just wish there’s more police,” said Castro.
“I’m really sad that occurred but we got to let the public know that we have greater opportunities here by having professional soccer in Oakland,” said Gallo.
A representative for team Mexico says it was “a minor incident” and that it could have happened in any city in any country. He said the players are focused on having a great match. Oakland is ready for it.
“Let’s enjoy soccer. Let’s make Oakland once more an international city,” said Gallo.
We reached out to Oakland PD and mayor Barbara Lee about the theft. They say they are connecting with the team about the incident.
The last time the Mexican national team played in Oakland was in 2007.
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