MEXICO CITY — A Mexican newspaper began encouraging soccer fans to cast a voodoo hex on the United States ahead of Wednesday's World Cup qualifier in Columbus, Ohio.

Readers of the Record could trade in coupons for voodoo-doll likenesses of U.S. players at Blockbuster video stores in Mexico City on Friday. Fans were instructed to use the doll to wish for a Mexico goal.

"Hold a needle firmly between your thumb and index finger and prick slowly the part of the doll where you want to affect the opponent," the instructions say. The back of the doll's jersey read, "Gringos."

Record calls the dolls Mexico's "secret weapon."

U.S.-based electronics retailer RadioShack dropped out as a distribution partner last week after learning details of the campaign. But Record managed to find U.S.-based Blockbuster as a new co-sponsor.

Record spokesman Daniel Paz said the promotion was a lighthearted attempt at helping Mexico, which hasn't beaten the Americans on U.S. soil since 1999.

"In soccer, training and practice are what determine the results. The best team will win," Paz said. "But without any doubt this little doll can help the good vibes of the Mexican fans to change the history of Mexico and turn things around."

In a Blockbuster to pick up one of the dolls, Mauricio Munoz didn't believe it will have any benefit for Mexico.

"But," he said, "it's a good way to have fun."