150 Kilos of Mate on the Wall 150 Kilos of Mate....

If Uruguay go far this world cup its because of Mate.... the Uruguayan team is importing 150 Kilos of the famous South American "tea" to South Africa to make sure they have enough if they qualify out of the groups stage.

Mate is a strong, green, tea-like drink made with hot (or sometimes cold) water poured over dried Mate leaves in a gourd kind of like this one:

It has a gentle stimulating effect much like tea or coffee, but not as strongly immediate. Many South American players in Europe drink it daily, including an extra brew before games... here is Maradona enjoying a Mate in a Barcelona shirt in the 80s.

In Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina and Southern Brazil (where it is stronger and called Chimarao) Mate is consumed by most people, who carry it with them on the bus, in the park, in the office and much like coffee in the morning at home.

So with all my sincere love I wish that Mate proves to be the Magic Potion for the Uruguayan team as they reach new footballing heights this June and July!