Mexican soccer announcers thank U.S. for keeping World Cup hopes alive

In jeopardy of not making the World Cup for the first time since 1990, Mexico got help from its neighbors to the north. (Johan Ordonez/Getty Images) Mexico

In jeopardy of not making the World Cup for the first time since 1990, Mexico got help from its neighbors to the north. (Johan Ordonez/Getty Images)

Mexico and the United States generally have a bitter soccer rivalry.

But Tuesday was the final night of World Cup qualifying and Mexico entered its game in Costa Rica needing a win or tie to secure a berth in a playoff with New Zealand or needing a U.S. win or tie in Panama.

Trailing 2-1 against a team that had already qualified, Mexico's hopes were fading, as the U.S. was also losing — that is until Graham Zusi and Aron Johansson scored in stoppage time to give the Americans an improbable 3-2 win and Mexico a date with New Zealand with the winner going to the World Cup.

WAHL: United States shows heart, Mexico isn't very good

That led to some excitement from the Mexican announcers as they watched along with viewers on a split screen.

"We love you!  We love you forever and ever!  God bless America!"

One could understand the significance of the moment when realizing that Mexico, which hasn't failed to qualify since 1990, could have lost $600 million had it not made the World Cup.

The United States sent a simple, yet perfect, tweet after its game.

#YoureWelcomeMexico @miseleccionmx

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) October 16, 2013