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This article is a primary source document from 2018, published by ESPN. The news article discusses the infamous incident where Mexican national team legend Rafa Marquez headbutted USMNT player Cobi Jones during the 2002 World Cup. The headbutt occurred in the 88th minute of the match, where the United States was up 2-0 and minutes away from a historic upset versus their rival. Marquez was subsequently sent off with a red card, and the moment would go down as one of the most famous incidents of tempers flaring in the history of the rivalry.
In this interview, Marquez discusses how the intensity of the rivalry pushed him to the edge. Calling the United States the Mexican national teams’ “greatest rival”, the pressure to perform and win is never higher than during this game. Despite losing the game and receiving a red card, Marquez claims he does not regret his actions. He believed that, although he should not have done it, the headbutt had no impact on the result of the game.
“From the start, things became complicated with that [eighth-minute Brian McBride] goal. Then the sudden change that Javier [Aguirre] made [with Ramon Morales going off for Luis Hernandez in the 28th minute]. It was a strange feeling.
“Later, obviously we all know the frustration I let out almost at the end of the game.”
Marquez said that his competitive nature is the reason why he reacted as he did.
“My personality has always been very demanding,” he said. “I don’t like to lose even at marbles. No one likes to lose and especially not against your archival, like the United States was then. It was an unfortunate action.”
Marquez is currently with Mexico in Russia preparing for Sunday’s opening game against Germany, in which the 39-year-old could become just the third player to play in five men’s World Cups.
Tom Marshall. Jun 14, 2018 “No Regrets for Rafa Marquez over Cobi Jones Head-Butt in 2002 World Cup.” ESPN.com, June 14. https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37556409/no-regrets-rafa-marquez-cobi-jones-head-butt-2002-world-cup.