The Americans had their best World Cup ever in 2002, winning a second-round match against perpetual foil Mexico. To understand the difference between soccer in the two countries, you need look no further than the two jerseys worn in that match. The Americans (like Pablo Mastroeni, left) donned white jerseys with a plain front and a blue-and-red zigzag down the side—perhaps the National Team's thousandth design in 50 years. (The zigzag was a design tweak mandated by Nike.) The Mexican team, by contrast, is known as "El Tri" for its green, white, and red flag and corresponding uniform—the perennial green shirt, white shorts, red socks (see Cuauhtémoc Blanco, right). On June 2, Mexico played Iran in San Luis Potosi. Just before kickoff, a massive green jersey—maybe 40 yards long and 20 wide—was unfurled in the stands. A flag wasn't needed. The national team is the jersey; the jersey is the national team.