Mexico beat Czech Republic 3-0 to complete perfect group as Ochoa bids Azteca farewell; South Africa make history

Mexico cruise past Czech Republic

Mexico completed a flawless group stage with a 3-0 win against the Czech Republic on Wednesday, confirming their status as Group A winners and ending the Czechs' tournament. The co-hosts had already secured a place in the last 32 but showed no let-up, scoring three second-half goals to delight a raucous Azteca Stadium crowd.

Mateo Chavez broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, slipping a side-footed finish past goalkeeper Matej Kovar after a pass from Luis Romo. Six minutes later, teenage midfielder Gilberto Mora dribbled deep into Czech territory and found Jorge Sanchez, whose bundled effort was turned home by Julian Quinones for his second goal of the tournament. Substitute Alvaro Fidalgo added a late third to complete the scoring.

The Czechs, needing a win to have any chance of advancing, had started brightly but could not capitalise and finish bottom of the group.

Ochoa's emotional farewell

The loudest cheer of the night was reserved for 40-year-old goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who replaced Raul Rangel with 12 minutes remaining. It was his sixth and likely final World Cup appearance, and the Azteca crowd rose to salute the iconic player whose career began at that very stadium with Club America in 2004.

“"My first game, Azteca. My last game, Azteca. It's been a beautiful final chapter of my career,"”

he told Mexican television after the match. Team-mate Mateo Chavez added:

“"He's an example for all of us. He's the first one in the gym and the last one to leave. This is the icing on the cake of a great career."”

Ochoa's clean-sheet cameo added to the sense of a perfect script for Mexican fans, who are already daring to dream of a first quarter-final appearance since 1986.

Mora makes history

Gilberto Mora became the youngest player ever to start a World Cup match for Mexico, taking the field at 17 years old. The Tijuana midfielder had already set records as the youngest to debut and score in Mexico's first division, and his start against the Czech Republic continued a remarkable trajectory. Coach Javier Aguirre had used him sparingly in earlier matches after a groin injury, but on Wednesday Mora's every touch was cheered loudly by the home support.

He is only the eighth 17-year-old to appear in a World Cup, and the first since two Nigerians in 2002. His creative run set up the second goal, hinting at a bright future in the tournament.

South Africa break new ground

In Monterrey, Thapelo Maseko scored a historic 63rd-minute goal to give South Africa a 1-0 win over South Korea and a first-ever place in the World Cup knockout stage. The 22-year-old, who plays on loan at AEL Limassol, fired home after a cross from Tshepang Moremi, sending the Bafana Bafana into the round of 32.

South Africa's previous World Cup appearances had all ended in group-stage exits, including the emotional 2010 tournament they hosted, where they were eliminated on goal difference. This time, four points from a draw with the Czech Republic and the win over South Korea secured second place in Group A. Coach Hugo Broos hailed his team's tactical performance.

Mexico9

South Africa4

South Korea3

Czech Republic1

Mexico

9 points

South Africa

4 points

South Korea

3 points

Czech Republic

1 points

Data from the article text

What's next

Mexico will face a third-placed team from Group C, E, F, H or I at the Azteca on June 30, backed by ferocious home support. South Africa travel to Inglewood, California, to take on co-hosts Canada on June 28 in their knockout debut. South Korea, on three points, must wait to see if their tally is enough to advance as one of the best third-placed sides.