World Cup 2018: Mexico fans cause earthquake tremor by jumping for joy after win over Germany

Sensors detect two tremors in country's capital as fans cheer goal

Monday 18 June 2018 13:41 BST
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Mexico fans celebrate beating World Cup holders Germany

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It was a football result which shocked the world – and apparently moved the earth.

Mexicans jumping for joy at their country’s surprise World Cup victory over defending champions Germany shook the ground so hard they set off earthquake detectors.

Super-sensitive sensors registered tremors at two sites in Mexico City seven seconds after Hirving Lozano scored for the North American underdogs.

The Institute of Geological and Atmospheric Investigations called them “artificial” quakes.

The victory sparked mass jubilation with fans, who waved Mexican flags and donned traditional sombrero hats.

They swamped major cities across the country and sang the popular folk song 'Cielito Lindo', or ‘Pretty Little Sky’.

At the Angel of Independence monument in Mexico City, Rodolfo Pulido, 47, led a chants while perched on a concrete barrier that separates traffic.

"I am incredibly happy," the 47-year-old told Reuters. He also noted the game was being held on Father's Day: "It's a double gift: Mexico won and I get to celebrate with my son."

Fans on social media also toasted the victory.

They celebrated Guillermo Ochoa's performance and shared memes depicting him as the president of Mexico.

Others riffed on Donald Trump's pledge to build a border wall between the United States and Mexico, placing photos of Ochoa guarding the goal alongside the caption: "Hey! We already have a wall."

Another popular meme depicted Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, holding a phone to her ear with the text: "Donald? It's me Angela. Please build the wall."

It is Mexico's 16th time playing the World Cup. In the past six tournaments, they have failed to get beyond the second round.

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