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Soccer Fans Celebrate as Mexico Advances, NCPD Urges Safety


As Mexico advanced to the round of 16 despite a loss to Sweeden in their third match of the World Cup, police in National City asked fans to avoid celebrating in the streets. 

Following Mexico’s first two wins, fired up fans took their celebration to the Highland Avenue in National City, on Saturday stopping traffic and forcing an MTS bus to be rerouted. 

National City police do not want it to happen again. 

“These types of actions are not only dangerous for fans, but motorists who may have to maneuver around fans and other vehicles, National City Police Department (NCPD) Lt. Robert Rounds said. 

“We request the cooperation of soccer fans to celebrate responsibly and safely, to minimize the impact on others.”

Mexico soccer fans began congregating at local bars early Wednesday morning in anticipation of Mexico’s final match of the group stage. 

Both La Quinta Grill in Chula Vista and Machete Beer House in National City were hosting World Cup viewing parties for fans. 

“Usually as soon as the doors open we have a line waiting outside to come in,” Martha Diaz said ahead of the celebration. “We have a few customers that come with different costumes, lucha libre masks, they come with a little horse, just to have fun… It’s a good time.”

Machete Beer House was filled wall to wall as fans watched the first half of the match remain scoreless. 

As the second half began, Sweden scored their first goal and five minutes later, their second. 

Mexico pressed hard but was unable to find its way past goalkeeper Robin Olsen.

The crowd at Machete Beer House remained energized but at about the 60-minute mark, Sweden scored their third goal. 

With no change in score and only 15 minutes left of gameplay, fans’ attention was diverted to the South Korea match against Sweden — their last hope of an advance for Team Mexico. 

Two late goals from South Korea doomed the German squad and Mexico and Sweden both advanced to the round of 16, to joyous outbursts from fans at Machete Beer House. 

The Mexico soccer team secured an upset win against Germany in their first match of the international competition, followed by a 2-1 victory against South Korea on Saturday. 

If they would have pulled off the win against Sweden, it would have been the first time in World Cup history the Mexico soccer team won with a perfect record.

But the team’s fans are happy for the “win” regardless. 

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Source: NBC San Diego

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