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The first ever regular season game outside of the United States is being played in Mexico City between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals. It’s a battle against two struggling teams with the 49ers at 1-2 and the winless Arizona Cardinals at 0-3.

You would think the NFL would send some of the better teams to play the first game ever outside of the United States, but instead have decided to send two teams with bad records the last two years to represent the NFL. You wonder how committed the NFL is in selling American football outside of the United States.

The game is being played in Azteca Stadium at 7,000 feet above sea level with a crowd of 110,000. The Mexican fans came out in droves dressed out in NFL paraphernalia of the 49ers, Cardinals and mostly the Cowboys.

The first play of the game started ominously for the Arizona Cardinals as the San Francisco 49ers sacked Arizona quarterback Josh McKown who fumbled the ball. The 49ers picked up the fumble and ran it back for a touchdown. 49ers 7 - Cardinals 0.

The disastrous start continues for the Arizona Cardinals as the 49ers returned a fumble by running back Marcel Shipp for 79 yards for a touchdown. 49ers 14 - Arizona 0. Arizona had a nice drive going only to be abruptly ended by a fumble.

Soccer is the national sport in Mexico. In the first half, both NFL teams were mimicking the game due to a lot of kicking and punting. Not much offense. The scoring has been two defensive touchdowns and two field goals.

It looks like Larry Fitzgerald is a player. He just caught a TD with six seconds left in the half. The Arizona Cardinals just closed the gap to 14-12 at the half.

The second half started and there’s more kicking with a lot less cheering from the Mexican fans. The Arizona Cardinals kicked two more field goals to take 18-14 lead over the San Francisco 49ers in the 3rd quarter.

In the 4th quarter, the Cardinals again kicked another field goal to extend their lead to 21-14. Neither team can’t get any of their offenses going. At least the Cardinals are moving the ball somewhat but have problems getting into the endzone. The 49ers offense is another story.

Finally, a touchdown by the Cardinals offense; something fans have been waiting for all game long. The Cardinals extended their lead 28-14. With the 49ers losing, they are bringing the #1 rookie QB Alex Smith.

Game over. The 49ers are a painful team to watch. This team is just not very good. And that’s an understatement.

Overall, a good showing in Mexico? I’m not sure. It would have been a better game for Mexican fans if NFL teams other than these two have played in Mexico City.

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