Last weekend’s election of new Mexican president Andrés Manuel López Obrador promised change and prosperity for the country in the southern portion of North America.
But on Monday morning the one thing did not change was Mexico’s luck — or lack thereof— when it comes to the fifth game of the World Cup.
El Tri, as the men’s national soccer team is known, was eliminated from the World’s tournament with a 2-0 defeat against a powerful Brasil team.
While the loss was a disappointment, fans like Israel Vega,35, kept his head held high.
“It hurts a bit. But it’s just a soccer game,” Vega said. “The sun is still coming up tomorrow.”
Vega and his wife traveled from their San Carlos home to the viewing party hosted at Machete Beer House in National City.
Vega, who draped a Mexican flag around his shoulders, said he’s watched most of Mexico’s World Cup games at Machete.
While some fans left Machete Beer House heartbroken over Mexico’s elimination many stayed afterward to dance, sing, drink more beer and watch the next scheduled World Cup game.
“This was more than just a game, it was a gathering,” said Annabelle Rojas of National City. That’s what Mexican people do, we always find reason to celebrate, especially win it comes to soccer.”
The festivities started about 6 a.m., an hour before game time.
A line formed out the door of Machete Beer House as the beer house was already at capacity just before the start of the game.
Fans patiently waited outside hoping someone would exit the viewing party so that they can take their spot inside.
During pregame warm ups, Mexican fans broke out in “México! México! México” chants at the site of Mexican players. They then broke out in “boos” during the entire Brazilian National Anthem.
Fans suddenly became quiet in the game’s opening minutes as they intently watched the action. But it wasn’t long when they got lively blowing their vuvuzelas when goal keeper Guillermo Ochoa made several saves.
As half time approached, some fans had to leave for work and others just wanted to get outside to catch some fresh air, although they were warned that if they go outside, they risked the chance of not being able to get back in.
Brasil quickly scored to open the second half, making 1-0, although that did not discourage fans of team Mexico as there was still lots of time to tie the game.
Basil’s second goal was the nail in the coffin. Fans began to slowly leave.
When the game ended, the remaining fans were upset but remained prideful.
“I’m mad we lost but I will always support them,” Ezekiel Nejara said. “They gave it everything they had.”
Mexico is no longer in the World Cup but that does not mean Vega will stop watching.
Vega said he usually cheers for both Team USA and Team Mexico, but with USA not qualifying it gave him the opportunity to just focus on one team.
“I miss my Team USA in the World Cup” he said. “But we were able to cheer for Team Mexico and I’m happy for that.”
