Long after Mexicos World Cup win against South Korea, fans young and old lined up outside the stadium to take photos with Hctor Chvez and his big black sombrero.Also known as Caramelo, candy in English, Chvez is arguably as well-known in Mexico as the members of the national team.He says the game last Thursday in Guadalajara was his 543rd match watching El Tri, which he has followed around the world since Mexico last hosted the World Cup in 1986.Now at his 11the World Cup, Chvez is flanked by his 21-year-old son, also called Hctor Chvez, and known as Caramelo Jr. Both wear oversized sombreros with their nicknames written in all caps, making them hard to miss at stadiums.Mexico has one of the best fan bases in the world, one that travels the most to matches, and one of the most colorful ones in the world, with tradition, identity and pride, the 64-year-old Chvez told The Associated Press. Im very fortunate to be here, with my son by my side in his fifth World Cup, to keep supporting the national team with everything weve got.Chvez has become a familiar sight in every stadium where the team plays in Mexico and around the world, including friendlies. He said the first national team match he attended was on Feb. 19, 1986, when Mexico faced the Soviet Union in the countrys capital. His first World Cup match was that same year, on June 3 against Belgium.Despite being at another World Cup at home, Chvez said he struggled to make it to the games this time.This has been the most expensive World Cup in history, some of my friends who usually accompany me couldnt come, he said. I had to break the piggy bank, and we are here with the support of our family, because without this support it wouldnt be possible. The truth is that weve worked hard to be here, but finally we made it and we will keep following the national team to the end.Caramelo is popular but also has his criticsDespite his popularity, Chvez is not universally loved in Mexico. Critics say hes getting too much attention and question whether hes promoting himself or the national team. Hes annoyed some fans by throwing his hat onto the field, including at the game between Colombia and Uzbekistan in Mexico City last week.Well, they say that if they are criticizing you, it's because you are doing something good. We try not to pay too much attention to it. We preferer to hold on to the great support that the fans have shown us in person, the younger Hctor Chvez said.Many teams have superfans who attract headlines at World Cups. Spain had Manuel Cceres, known as Manolo el del bombo or Manolo the bass drummer, who followed the Spanish national team since the 1982 World Cup. He died last year. Brazils Clvis Acosta Fernandes, known as the Gacho Da Copa, died in 2015.Congo has Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, who gained fame during the Africa Cup of Nations for posing as a statue of Congos assassinated independence hero Patrice Lumumba. He missed the teams first game at this years World Cup but was expected to make it to Tuesdays match against Colombia.Chvez worried that die-hard fans are being priced out of the World Cup, affecting the atmosphere in stadiums.I miss the hardcore fans who follow their teams, who chant and cheer during the whole 90 minutes. Did you notice that they couldnt even get the wave to work again?" he said after Mexico's match against South Korea on June 18. And why is that? Its because we dont have these fans. And why dont we have these fans? Its because they cant afford these expensive tickets.___AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/FIFA-World-Cup

Jude Bellingham clashed with Ghana players during the closing stages of the first half during England's World Cup clash on Tuesday night.The Real Madrid star went into the game full of confidence after shining against Croatia six days ago.But it was a difficult first half for Bellingham and his England teammates, who were unable to break their rivals down.As the half-time whistle blew, the 22-year-old was left unhappy at something a Ghana player said, with Thomas Tuchel forced to calm him down.TRENDINGStoriesVideosYour SayBBC presenter Mark Chapman, speaking on Radio 5 Live, suggested that Ghana boss Carlos Queiroz had said something to rile Bellingham and other England players up."I think that was Carlos Queiroz saying something to Jude Bellingham as they walked across the pitch and it just fired a few people up," he said.Tuchel gave England players some home truths during half-time against Croatia last week.And the Three Lions need a similar rocket to reach peak levels, with Ghana defending comfortably so far.Reacting to the game so far, England No 2 Anthony Barry defended the Three Lions' approach and criticised Ghana's tactics."It has been absolutely OK. A game we probably expect to be a difficult challenge, a difficult opponent," he said. LATEST SPORTS NEWS:Fifa ban commentator from World Cup after furious meltdownCristiano Ronaldo screams two-word message down camera after firing Portugal to Uzbekistan World Cup winEngland star appears to snub Thomas Partey handshake before Ghana World Cup clash"They defend deep, deep, deep, probably deeper than we expected."They have this incredible speed. The headline for us is probably patience and continuing attacking with a stable base. Ghana are a team with excellent counter-attacking options."Analysing the first 45 minutes, Joe Hart, Micah Richards and Wayne Rooney admitted that England were surprisingly subdued.Rooney said: "This is what we expected and you've got to give a lot of credit to Ghana."I think they have defended really well."England needed more movement when you're against a low block just to unorganise and get them out of position to capitalise."Hart added: "It's just not that easy."Ghana looked organised and it's difficult for England to get through a congested back line."I'm really confident they will get through in the second half."And Richards called for changes, with the former Manchester City star stating: "[Bukayo] Saka has got to be introduced in the second half."This was always my dilemma, when teams press us you want runners, Anthony Gordon, fantastic, Marcus Rashford, Noni Madueke too."But when you are facing a low block have you got someone that has that little bit of magic to take someone on? That is what the game is crying out for."Win two tickets to a FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final. ExpressVPN are giving one lucky Friend or Member the chance to experience football's biggest tournament live, with flights and accommodation covered by GB News. Entries close 30 June. ENTER HERE.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

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