Rafa Fidalgo backs grandson Álvaro as Mexico open World Cup, choosing him over Spain for the night | OneFootball

Rafa Fidalgo had no doubts as he watched his grandson Álvaro make Mexico’s World Cup bow, backing him ahead of Spain for one night. Mexico beat South Africa in the opener and the celebration in Asturias was heartfelt.

The nerves built through the week and peaked two hours before kick-off when Javier Aguirre named his starting line-up with Álvaro included, something the family expected. According to Superdeporte, Fidalgo had been waiting days for that moment.

At nine o'clock the tournament opened at the Estadio Azteca, officially Estadio Ciudad de México during the event, and the boy from Hevia, formed at Oviedo, Mareo and Valdebebas, stepped into the spotlight. He is the World Cup’s only Asturian.

He followed it from his usual sofa, a Betis shirt with his grandson’s number eight beside him, while he wore Club América colours. As the anthem played on La 1, Fini Vallina teased him about the fit, and every camera shot drew a proud point.

Álvaro’s parents made a late call to travel and were in the stands. At home, Rafa, a former Oviedo first-teamer who spent years at Langreo, recalled the joy of the call-up and told his grandson to prepare well for a serious tournament.

Mexico struck in minute eight and the living room erupted. A foul on the midfielder brought a hush, then relief. After the break, Álvaro found space near the box and Rafa felt he should have shot, a debate that lingered amid obvious pride.

Source: Superdeporte