'Chicharito, Chicharito' is chant in Guadalajara

Guadalajara literally went wild Tuesday as Mexico beat France 2-0 in the World Cup in South Africa and Guadalajara golden boy Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez became the nation’s hero after scoring the first goal.

Thousands gathered at the city’s emblematic Minerva roundabout to dance, sing and be generally merry.

Police closed the streets to traffic and were slightly displeased that a group of young fans took over a municipal pickup and drove it down the street, but quickly brought the situation under control without any major problem.

“I can’t believe it,” said one ecstatic older women celebrating with her granddaughters. “We beat the French, I didn’t think we would but we did.”

The result puts Mexico in a great position to qualify for the Round of 16 that will be held next weekend. A draw against Uruguay on Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. will secure their passage and mean France go home early. Very few people predicted that.

“We are huge (Guadalajara) Chivas fans, it’s great Chicharito scored, I love him,’ let slip one young girl, who probably speaks for many Mexican women tonight.
On a more serious note, it hasn’t been a great week for Mexico with a lot of deaths associated with drug cartels. At the Minerva though, no-one seemed concerned.

“We don’t even care about that, we’re here to celebrate because Mexico won and we are very happy,” shouted one shirtless youth, before continuing his merry dance.

One Oxxo near the Minerva was forced to close the front door due to the sheer volume of people and the victory parade, considering it was on a workday, was huge.

“We’re used to this, it’s part of our jobs,” said one glum looking policeman.

Who knows how many didn’t bother to go back to work after the game.

All is now set for Mexico to advance to the next round. Keep your fingers crossed Tuesday and don’t expect much productivity in the country in general if Mexico win.