Mexico made four changes for their final Group A match against the Czech Republic on June 24, including starting 17-year-old Gilberto Mora, the youngest player to start in the tournament [1, 2]. The match took place at the Azteca stadium, where Mexico had already secured first place in the group and a spot in the round of 32 [1, 3, 4].
Veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, age 40, began the match on the bench but was substituted on in the last 12 minutes, keeping a clean sheet in what was his sixth and final World Cup appearance [3, 4]. He said, "My first game, Azteca. My last game, Azteca. It’s been a beautiful final chapter of my career. Thank you, everyone" [3]. Ochoa announced he will retire from professional football after the tournament [5]. Despite a slip in training, he remained fit to play [5].
Mexico scored three goals from Mateo Chavez, Julian Quinones, and Alvaro Fidalgo to secure a 3-0 win [3, 4]. Chavez praised Ochoa, calling him "an idol for us," and said, "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... I'm very happy for him" [3].
Czech Republic started Pavel Sulc and Denis Visinsky while benching striker Patrik Schick in the match [1, 2]. Mexico coach Javier Aguirre rotated the squad despite pressure from fans and players to start Ochoa, saying, "I've always said... that the 26 players are here on their own merits... Those players that are in the best form come and play for the national team" [5]. He added, "Even Memo (Ochoa) is getting tired of being asked questions" about starting [5].
Mexico has only reached the World Cup quarter-finals twice before, in 1970 and 1986, both times as hosts [3, 4]. The team will now prepare for their round of 32 match at the Azteca stadium.
