Mexico gets beat up but advances as defending champs also lose

YEKATERINBURG, Russia – It was a surreal atmosphere at the end of Mexico’s World Cup game against Sweden.

In the dying minutes, the Mexican fans – who well outnumbered the Swedes in the packed arena – erupted in wild celebrations.

Plastic cups and beer were flying high as the fans were jumped and danced and sang.

It was the kind of celebrating supporters from the soccer crazy country would do for a World Cup victory by El Tri.

But this was different. Mexico was trailing Sweden 3-0 on Wednesday and moments earlier the mood of the Mexicans had been bleak.

Yet the feelings of joy were genuine and spontaneous.

With Mexico’s chances of advancing to the knockout stage under dire threat, the fans had turned their attention from the pitch in Yekaterinburg to their smart phones to watch the simultaneous game in Kazan.

In a wide open Group F, all they could hope was an upset result in the other match featuring defending champion Germany against South Korea. Mexico fans were hoping for a shocking upset – and the South Koreans delivered that with two goals in stoppage time for a 2-0 victory.

“We advanced to second phase, and thanks to Korea!” said Mexico City resident Edmundo Robert.

Jose Alcocer was jumping with friends in a circle long after the match, chanting: “Bye-bye Germany.”