Mexico advances to Round of 16 and Angelenos are celebrating

The Selección Nacional de Mexico sparked euphoria, excitement and increased hope for millions after winning the knockout match against Ecuador on Tuesday night with a score of 2-0. Now, El Tri advances to the round of 16.

In Los Angeles, ecstatic fans at Casa México inside LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes began repeating the famous question, “¿Y si, si?” meaning, “what if” Mexico is the champion. 

The last time Mexico made it to the round of 16 was in 1986.

The night was dramatic, even before the match, after it was announced there would be a one-hour delay due to severe thunderstorms and lightning in Mexico City.

In the meantime, at Casa México, thousands of fans patiently waited in front of the big screen, dancing and singing to popular Mexican songs. Others gathered around smaller screens placed in different areas of the crowded outdoor space. 

The family-friendly event featured fans like Marisela sharing a good time with her son while rooting for Mexico. She said she was very excited to share the World Cup with her young son because she was not just sharing the game but also the culture and love for Mexico. 

“I’m very hopeful [to win] so we can continue the festivities,” she said before the start of the game. 

Several fans guessed Mexico would win 2-0, including General Consul of Mexico in Los Angeles, Carlos González Gutiérrez, when he gave his welcome remarks at Casa Mexico. 

“This is how we better enjoy the World Cup, in community. Thank you everybody for coming,” he said. “Mexico will win 2-0!”

Once the green light was given at Estadio Azteca in Mexico, anxiousness, prayers and chants started at Casa México. 

The first goal came from Mexico at minute 22 by Julián Quiñones, and the crowd exploded. Men, women and children screamed with joy, hugged each other and started chanting, “México, México!”

Just a little later, still in the first half at minute 31, Raúl Jiménez scored the second goal for El Tri. At this moment, the crowd felt there was a good chance to advance to the next round. 

The same two players who scored against Ecuador scored in the opening match against South Africa. 

The victory of this game was especially motivating because El Tri is advancing to their fifth game undefeated. The team has played four of their five games in Estadio Azteca. 

El Tri won against South Africa 2-0, against Korea 1-0 and against Czechia 3-0 in the group stage. 

“We feel incredible; we are playing so well, we just got to make sure we continue the same way in the second half and we are good,” said Mexico fan William during halftime. “For the first goal I was excited, but I wasn’t convinced yet, but the second one really got me excited.”

Latinos making it to the round of 16

With Mexico’s win, the round of 16 continues taking shape. On Saturday, the round of 16 will kick off with Canada against Morocco and then Paraguay against France. On Sunday, Brazil will face Norway and Mexico will face England. 

Mexico will have a slight advantage to win because they will play again at Estadio Azteca. 

The match is also special for El Tri’s coach, Javier Aguirre, who was a midfielder in 1986 when the team lost to Bulgaria.

“It means a lot to me because I am one of those who could not progress to the knockout stage,” he said. “We are in the round of 16 and a great connection is happening with the fans. We are like a family. It is spectacular.”

LAPlaza de la Cultura y Artes is scheduling another showing of the game on Sunday. For more information, visit https://lapca.org/