Mexico tops Czech Republic 3-0, wins all group matches for first time
8 verified1 unconfirmed1 contested
Mexico defeated the Czech Republic 3-0 on Wednesday at Estadio Azteca, completing a perfect group-stage campaign for the first time in the nation’s World Cup history. Goals from Mateo Chavez, Julian Quinones, and Alvaro Fidalgo secured the win in front of 80,824 fans. The result confirmed Mexico as Group A winners, while the Czech Republic was eliminated from the tournament. The match featured historic milestones: 17-year-old Gilberto Mora became the youngest Mexican to start a World Cup match, and 40-year-old goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa appeared as a substitute for a record sixth World Cup, joining Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The game was also marked by the return of a homophobic chant from fans near the end of the first half. Mexico will next play a round-of-32 match at the same stadium on Tuesday.
What’s verified
Mexico defeated the Czech Republic 3-0.
Mateo Chavez, Julian Quinones, and Alvaro Fidalgo scored the goals.
Mexico won all three group-stage matches for the first time in its World Cup history.
Gilberto Mora, at age 17, became the youngest Mexican player to start a World Cup match.
Guillermo Ochoa entered as a substitute, appearing in a record sixth World Cup alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
A homophobic chant was heard from fans near the end of the first half.
The match was played at Estadio Azteca in front of 80,824 spectators.
The Czech Republic was eliminated from the tournament.
Where accounts differ
The exact minute of Guillermo Ochoa’s substitution is reported differently: one source states he entered in the 77th minute, while another says the 78th minute.
Not yet confirmed
Single-source reports include: Tomas Soucek suffered a potentially serious knee injury; Ochoa plans to retire after this World Cup; Ochoa became the oldest Mexican to play in a World Cup; Mora signed a new contract with Tijuana and has been linked to Real Madrid; Mexico is undefeated in nine World Cup matches at Azteca; Mexico used 25 of 26 players in the tournament; Ochoa wore No. 13 and played 13 minutes; South Africa advanced as Group A runners-up after beating South Korea 1-0.
Key figures
Guillermo Ochoa, Gilberto Mora, Mateo Chavez, Julian Quinones, Alvaro Fidalgo, Javier Aguirre, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Matej Kovar.
Sources: Sky Sports, Rolling Stone, abcnews.com
