Mexico lost in its final group stage match at the World Cup. They got blanked 3-0.
What sounds like a demoralizing blow for El Tri was anything but. Mexico still advanced to the Round of 16 thanks to South Korea's 2-0 upset victory over defending champion Germany in a simultaneous contest.
The results triggered pure pandemonium to break out at Avaya Stadium in San Jose Wednesday morning where fans enjoyed a free watch party. Supporters of El Tri — clad in green, red and white — jumped into the air, pumped their fists above their heads, sang and chanted.
"I was really glad to be able to watch it here, see the stadium erupt with such emotion," Mexico fan Arturo Flores said. "Every single goal, every single play, people just get crazy here. I love it."
Heading into Wednesday's Group F matches, Mexico sat atop the group table with six points. Germany and Sweden were tied with three points. South Korea sat at the bottom with zero points. The two teams with the most points after the day's matches would move on to the next round.
Mexico simply needed to win or tie to secure its place in the Round of 16. But even if they lost and South Korea won, they were still guaranteed to advance. That's exactly what El Tri got.
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South Korea, despite taking 15 less shots and mustering only 30 percent of the possession, managed to score two late goals to sink Germany's hopes of making it out of the group.
Sweden's victory over Mexico propelled them to the top of group while El Tri settled for second place based on goal differential. South Korea jumped to third with three points. Germany also ended up with three points, but fell to the bottom of the table based on goal differential.
Avaya Stadium — home to the San Jose Earthquakes — is playing host to free watch parties throughout the international soccer tournament.
