It was a sea of green across the Eastside Thursday as Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in its World Cup opener.
Fans showed off their tricolor pride with jerseys, moños and flags draped like capes in Boyle Heights, East LA and Lincoln Heights.
Along 1st Street in Boyle Heights, neighbors hopped door-to-door looking for a place to catch the match.
Each time Mexico scored, the crowd erupted in cheers at Distrito Catorce, where it was standing room only. Nearby, 1st Street Taqueria set up a TV on the sidewalk for customers, while Espacio 1839 welcomed fans with a projector screening inside its store.
Rosalba Juarez and her family had just returned to Boyle Heights from a FIFA Fan Festival at the Los Angeles Coliseum
“It was too hot,” she said. “The kids just wanted to go home.”
Whittier Boulevard came to life with fans wearing Mexico jerseys. Fanatics decked out in red, green and white poured out of restaurants after watching the game. Just minutes after Mexico’s win, one vendor was already selling T-shirts and sombreros from the back of his flatbed truck.
Dozens of fans gathered on street corners and waved flags as others cruised down the boulevard in their cars and motorcycles, honking their horns and revving their engines.
East LA resident Mauro Diego was excited after leaving Little Mexico seafood restaurant with his wife and children, who were all wearing Mexico jerseys.
After this first win, Diego said he was hopeful that El Tri could win the World Cup. “Why say no to it, right? Everybody has a chance.”
Joana Losada walked a few blocks from her home to see the commotion on Whittier Boulevard. Her children, nieces and nephews waved flags and blew on vuvuzelas.
For Losada, this win was meaningful after the difficult year the Mexican community has had in LA and across the country with the ongoing immigration enforcement raids.
“I’m so proud of everything my parents had to do to come over here,” said Losada. “I’m keeping the tradition on and showing my kids how to be proud of being Mexican.”
Boyle Heights resident Manuel Perez had been preparing for his at-home watch party since this morning. Around 10 a.m. Thursday, Perez stopped by Vallarta Supermarket in East LA wearing his Mexico jersey, ready to cheer on his team while watching the game at home with his family.
Originally from Mexico City, Perez said he was also rooting for the USA because it’s where his children were born. Wearing the colors of his native flag was meaningful, he said.
“Es el patriotismo de lejos,” said Perez. “Aunque estamos también con la selección de USA, nuestros colores no los vamos a olvidar.” It’s patriotism from afar.
Here’s how the Eastside showed its pride.
