DOWN, NOT OUT
Despite 3-0 loss to Sweden, Mexico moves on thanks to upset of Germany
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 stadium erupted in wild celebrations.
Plastic cups and beer were flying high as the fans 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.
That result sent the Mexican squad into the knockout round along with Sweden, despite their loss on Wednesday.
“We advanced to second phase, and thanks to Korea!” said Mexico City resident Edmundo Robert, who was at the game with his son and father of law. “Yes, it was sweet. A victory is sweet and this is
a kind of a strange victory.”
Groups of Mexicans were still chanting “Korea, Korea,” as they left the arena.
Ludwig Augustinsson volleyed a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa from close range five minutes into the second half, and captain Andreas Granqvist converted a penalty kick to help Sweden take control Wednesday and win Group F.
Mexico has been to the Round of 16 for seven straight World Cups. Sweden had not been to the knockout stage since 2006. Mexico’s Edson Alvarez had an own goal in the 74th minute to put the game out of reach at 3-0.
It capped an emotional week for the Blue-Yellow. The team made a unified statement Sunday defending teammate Jimmy Durmaz from criticism and racist attacks after his late foul led to a free kick that won the game for Germany.
“A few days ago we lost in the last minute and we were very disappointed, and now we come back and beat Mexico,” Augustinsson said. “I think we deserved to win the group, and Mexico deserved to be second.”
Great organization and some fortunate timing played out in the second half for Sweden. Augustinsson scored when the ball luckily landed in his path after a mis-timed shot from Viktor Claesson popped up to his teammate.
After Granqvist’s penalty kick, Sweden took total
control. Alvarez’s own goal occurred when he was trying to prevent Ola Toivonen from connecting with the ball, deflecting it with his arm past Ochoa.
“We just need to move on,” Ochoa said. “This is the World Cup. We can’t pull it out of our pocket, it’s not going to be easy and I think it’s a good lesson for what’s to come.”
Said coach Juan Carlos Osorio: “We have to say we qualified because we beat Germany and Korea. However and nevertheless, I am very hurt.”
Mexico’s Jesus Gallardo was called for a yellow card just 13 seconds in — believed to be the fastest in World Cup history — setting up the first of two quick set-piece opportunities Sweden could not take advantage of.