To say Miguel Herrera is elated about Mexico’s advancement in the World Cup is an understatement.
The former player and current manager of Mexico’s national football team reacted with unadulterated joy after his athletes scored two goals in a span of three minutes on Monday, catapulting them ahead with a 2-0 lead over Croatia in the second half.
So how does Herrera celebrate a late two goal lead? By tackling Mexican defender Paul Aguilar to the ground, and by catching an ecstatic (and airborne) goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa in an epic bear hug.
Seven minutes later, Mexico scored again.
Croatia's Ivan Perisic managed to slide in an 87th-minute consolation goal past Ochoa, but it was too late. Mexico went on to win the match 3-1.
It was a do-or-die game for the two teams, who were competing for second place in Group A in order to advance to the knockout round of 16.
“We overcame the first hurdle. We’re happy,” said Herrera. “We're going to celebrate tonight but tomorrow we have to start thinking of our match with the Netherlands.”
Herrera also took to Twitter to announce the win with not one, but 40 exclamation marks. Yes, 40.
The tweet roughly translates to “Win!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happier days are yet to come.”
Mexico is scheduled to face the Netherlands on Sunday at 12 p.m. ET.
Here’s a fantastic slow-motion replay of Herrera's wild embrace:
With files from The Canadian Press
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