Why Mexico needs a win

In the last week there has been over 200 murders associated with drug cartel-related violence in Mexico.

Twenty-eight were killed in one Mazatlan prison that, according to authorities, housed nacrotraffickers from differing cartels.

In Zitacuaro, Michoacan police were involved in a shoot-out that left 12 policemen and a number of criminals dead.

In the picturesque tourist town of Taxco, Guerrero, known as the silver capital of Mexico, 15 were killed Tuesday.

And in Nayarit, 30 murders in three days have caused state authorities to end the school term early. Schools will finish Friday.

It's been the bloodiest week in Mexico since President Felipe Calderon took office in 2006.

Calderon himself issued a rousing 10-minute Message to the Nation Tuesday imploring Mexicans to support his government’s fight against criminal networks.

What's this got to do with football?

Well, a victory against France would give Mexicans a reason to celebrate for a change and, for once, a bit of positive press internationally.

At least for a day or two ...