Mexico seals historic perfect group stage with 3-0 win over Czechia
Mexico beat Czechia 3-0 at Estadio Azteca on Wednesday night to complete their first perfect World Cup group stage, with veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa making a record-equalling sixth tournament appearance.
Match summary
Mexico defeated Czechia 3-0 in their final Group A match, completing a perfect group stage for the first time in the nation's World Cup history. After a goalless first half, Mateo Chávez broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, followed by Julián Quiñones in the 61st and Álvaro Fidalgo in stoppage time. Czechia, needing a win to stay alive, managed only one point from three matches and are eliminated.
Ochoa's historic night
Substitute goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa entered the match in the 78th minute, making his sixth World Cup appearance and equalling the record of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The veteran, who had not started a match, was brought on to the delight of the home crowd.
- Kick-off at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
- Half-time: 0-0, few chances
- Mateo Chávez scores the opening goal (55')
- Julián Quiñones doubles the lead (61')
- Guillermo Ochoa substitutes in for his sixth World Cup appearance (78')
- Álvaro Fidalgo seals the 3-0 win in stoppage time (90+4')
Road to the knockout stage
Already assured of top spot in the group before kickoff, Mexico rested several regulars, giving starts to Chávez and Guillermo Martínez. The hosts now advance to the round of 32 on June 30 at the same venue, facing a third-placed team from another group.
In football you have to turn the page... what matters is the final place.
Czechia's exit
Czechia entered the tournament for the first time since 2006 but failed to advance, following a 2-1 loss to South Korea and a draw with South Africa. Coach Miroslav Koubek had expressed confidence before the match.
I am sure we will still fight for qualification. Not just for now, but really.
