2018 FIFA World Cup: Mexican amputees find relief through football

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02:34

Fans everywhere are counting down to the tournament in Russia. Over in Mexico, football isn't just a sport, it's also a much-needed distraction for many who face hardships. El Tri has a tough task of getting out of Group F against Germany, Sweden, and South Korea - but that isn't the main focus for some fans of the beautiful game in the country. CGTN's Alasdair Baverstock reports.

At 15, Abel Mora lost his leg to cancer. A resident of Ecatepec, one of Mexico City's most impoverished districts, life has not been easy for the amputee.

"It was extremely hard. No one in my family knew how to handle the situation, and Mexico City is not a place that is well-equipped for people like me."

But two years ago, he discovered The Panthers, a football team for amputees like him. He now captains the team in Mexico's amputee football league.

ABEL MORA PANTERAS CAPTAIN "I know a lot of people in my situation, how they get depressed, and simply remain at home. That was never an option for me. I'm an accountant, and I run my own business, but I have always loved football. And it has been important to be able to share the experience with others."

Amputees are not uncommon in Mexico. Every year, an estimated 1,500 lose limbs due to medical complications, or work-related accidents.

ALASDAIR BAVERSTOCK MEXICO CITY "Despite the high number of male amputees in Mexico, few are employed, or go to school. This football league has done wonders, not only for the morale of these players, but also for their integration into society."

The Panthers train every Saturday morning on Ecatepec's municipal pitches. They were founded by German Gonzalez.

GERMAN GONZALEZ PANTERAS COACH "Many end up feeling that they are worthless, that they are a burden, so getting them out here to train, to run around, to show them that they can still do things. They can still score goals, they can still dream, and many more things."

Mexico is gearing up for its seventh consecutive World Cup, although given its group members consisting of Germany, Sweden, and South Korea, few here hold out much hope Mexico will get far in the tournament.

"It's not an easy group. We won't get out of it."

"It's not the best team right now."

No matter how Mexico's national team fares in the tournament, football will remain the bonding factor that has brought this amputee team together. Alasdair Baverstock, CGTN, Mexico City.