KUCHING: Mexico took another step towards writing the greatest chapter in the nation’s football history after a 3-0 victory over Czechia at Mexico City Stadium today as they secured a perfect Group A campaign.
Already through before kick-off, Javier Aguirre rotated his squad but still watched El Tri deliver when it mattered, extending their unbeaten start in front of another packed home crowd.
After a cagey first half, left-back Mateo Chavez broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, bursting into the inside-right channel before calmly slotting beyond Matej Kovar.
The breakthrough lifted the hosts and Julian Quinones soon doubled the advantage, finishing off a slick attacking move that finally rewarded Mexico’s growing control.
The match also marked another World Cup milestone for veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who received a standing ovation after replacing Raul Rangel late on for his 154th international appearance.
Teenage midfielder Gilberto Mora also continued to make history, becoming Mexico’s youngest World Cup starter since 1954.
Three wins from three leave Mexico atop Group A and carrying growing belief that this home World Cup could become their finest campaign yet.
In the other Group A match, South Africa joined them in the Round of 32 after finishing second, while Korea Republic, third on three points, must now wait to see whether their record is enough to claim one of the tournament’s eight best third-placed berths.
Czechia finished bottom and were eliminated from the World Cup race.
