.
After Mexico advanced to the Round of 16 by beating Croatia on Monday, manager Miguel Herrera was certainly a happy man.
You could see that. In fact his happiness levels, as well as his sky-rocketing blood pressure, soared every time El Tri scored as the Mexican national team put their poor World Cup qualifying campaign behind them to reach the knockout rounds for the sixth-straight time.
El Piojo is the pride of Mexico and his wild celebrations are worth reliving every single day. The former national team player arrived in Mexico’s time of need as their fourth coach during the qualifying period and dragged them over the line to Brazil. The stocky manner with the jolly, yet slightly frightening demeanor, has transformed Mexico’s fortunes.
[ RELATED: World Cup news, analysis from Soccerly ]
Running around on the sideline kicking every ball with his players, Herrera is the epitome of a back-seat driver as a soccer coach. He is, by far, the most entertaining coach to watch at the World Cup. I think I would pay for my ticket just to watch his celebrations to goals and reactions to refereeing decisions alone. Tackling players to the floor, rampaging towards officials, screaming to the heavens after goals and pumping his fists like no other, how can you not love Piojo?
Watch the video above (complete with soothing music that accentuates Herrera’s wildness) to relive his epic celebrations during Mexico’s 3-1 win vs. Croatia.
The good news: Herrera and Mexico have at least one more game down in Brazil, as they face the Netherlands on Sunday for a spot in the quarterfinals. Whatever your thoughts are on Mexico, how can you not love Herrera’s passion and love for the game?
Marvelous, just marvelous. These are the kind of colorful images that will put Herrera into World Cup folklore.