Soccer fans gather at Plaza Mexico in Lynwood to watch World Cup

In Lynwood, dozens of soccer fans gathered Sunday morning at Plaza Mexico to watch Mexico’s World Cup match against the Netherlands.

Cars adorned with miniature Mexico flags drove into the parking lot of the shopping center just north of the 105 Freeway as the game got underway at 9 a.m. Some fans waved their own flags, while passing motorists honked their support.

But there was no jumbo television screen set up at the plaza this time as before. Security officials said crowd control became a safety issue in last Monday’s game between Mexico and Croatia and a decision was made not to set up the large screen.

Instead, fans gathered around small televisions sets placed outside several restaurants. One establishment was charging $30 for adults to watch the game, buffet included.

Among the fans gathered outside was Eva Ortega, 45, of South Los Angeles, who brought her family.

“We were looking for the jumbo screen but we didn’t see it,” Ortega said. “We were thinking of heading home but the ambience is here.”

Ortega predicted Mexico would beat the Netherlands.

“At least 2-0,” she said, chuckling.

Andrea Trujillo, 18, came prepared. She wore a large straw hat that said, “Viva Mexico,” as well as a black tank that said, “I love Mexico.”

Trujillo said she and her family drove from Las Vegas to visit family for the weekend and to watch Sunday’s World Cup match.

“The Netherlands are really good,” she said. “But I want Mexico to win.”

@LATvives

ruben.vives@latimes.com