Javier Aguirre emphasizes the importance of unity within the Mexican team. This camaraderie has led them to an unprecedented achievement at the World Cup.
In a decisive victory, Mateo Chávez and Julián Quiñones scored two goals, leading Mexico to triumph over the Czech Republic with a 3-0 score. This success marks the first time Mexico has won all three group-stage matches at a World Cup.
Chávez opened the scoring in the 55th minute, celebrating his first World Cup goal, while Quiñones, scored his second tournament goal in the 61st minute. Alvaro Fidalgo added a goal in stoppage time.
“It was something very beautiful, and I’ll take it with me to the grave,” Chávez commented on his achievement.
México’s previous best group-stage performance occurred in 1986 and 2002 with two wins and one draw. Javier Aguirre played a significant role in both instances, once as a midfielder and then as coach. He is now leading the national team for the third time.
Advancing past Group A, Mexico will face a new opponent during the round-of-32 match at Estadio Azteca. Aguirre emphasizes the importance of focusing on upcoming challenges rather than past achievements.
El Tri remains undefeated in nine World Cup matches at Estadio Azteca, a location that hosted 80,824 fans during the match. The team has only lost twice at Azteca, most recently in a 2013 qualifier against Honduras.
The match also highlighted Mexico’s past and future. Young Gilberto Mora, 17, became the youngest player for Mexico to start in a World Cup, while Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa entered in the 77th minute, joining the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as players appearing in six World Cups.
“It’s like a dream come true,” Mora stated. “We aim to keep advancing and aspire to become champions.”
Despite the victory, Mexico faced controversy due to a homophobic chant from fans, leading to potential sanctions against its soccer federation. The Czech Republic was eliminated with only one point from three games.
Mexico remains unbeaten in 11 games since last November against Panama. Aguirre has utilized nearly all players, with Chávez being the one of five starters who did not play in the match against South Korea.
Memo Ochoa, wearing number 13, played the final moments of the match, marking potentially his last appearance for the Mexican national team before retiring. He turns 41 next July and plans to retire from international competition.
“Life had this farewell in store for me,” Ochoa said. “I’ve given everything to my teams and the national squad.”
Ochoa’s entry into the game allowed fans an opportunity to celebrate his legendary status, honoring him in his sixth World Cup appearance. Raúl Rangel served as the starter in place of the injured Luis Ángel Malagón, who helped Mexico win major tournaments the previous year.
Ochoa became the oldest Mexican to play in the World Cup, surpassing Cuauhtémoc Blanco’s record set in 2014.
After his farewell match, Ochoa was embraced by teammates as he knelt at the goal post, smiling at the tribute.
“Memo may retire, yet this was a cherished tribute for his six World Cups,” Aguirre remarked.
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