Police were out in force in the Pacoima area Monday night as a large crowd of rowdy World Cup fans took over the intersection of Laurel Canyon and Van Nuys boulevards.
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Dozens of Los Angeles police officers lined up in protective helmets as revelers set off fireworks and waved Mexican flags in the middle of the street in celebration of Mexico's team advancing to the second round of the international soccer tournament.
The crowd began to assemble at sundown, and police said they planned on allowing fans to celebrate peacefully.
The California Highway Patrol said it cut off access to the 5 Freeway in the Pacoima area, including at Terra Bella and Osborne streets, to help keep fans safe as they took to the streets.
Seven people were detained after police ordered the crowd to disperse just before 10:45 p.m. Those seven people were released shortly thereafter.
The LAPD was on a citywide tactical alert, which meant officers were not allowed to go home from work until the alert had lifted around 11:30 p.m.
Earlier in the day, Mexico won a pivotal game against Croatia, 3-1. With the victory, they advanced to the knockout round, where they will face the Netherlands.
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"Everybody is happy and I hope we can get a good game on Sunday with Holland," said soccer fan Jose Lopez.
In Huntington Park, five people were arrested as police on horseback and in riot gear tried to break up large crowds of soccer fans during a raucous street celebration.
