Mexico Achieves Historic Wins in World Cup Group Stage

Javier Aguirre has emphasized team unity as crucial for Mexico’s World Cup success. This strong bond is evident in the team’s historic journey.

Mateo Chávez and Julián Quiñones scored within six minutes during the second half, leading Mexico to a 3-0 victory over the Czech Republic on Wednesday. This win marks the first time Mexico has won all three group-stage matches in World Cup history.

Chávez, at 22 years old, participated in his first World Cup, scoring in the 55th minute. Julián Quiñones followed with his second tournament goal in the 61st minute. Alvaro Fidalgo added to the score during stoppage time.

“It was something very beautiful, and I’ll take it with me to the grave,” Chávez said regarding his goal.

Previously, Mexico’s best group-stage performance included two wins and a draw, achieved in 1986 and 2002 with Aguirre as a pivotal figure. This year, Aguirre returns as the national team’s coach.

Mexico, having led Group A, will next compete at Estadio Azteca in a round-of-32 match against a yet-to-be-determined opponent. “Now comes the knockout stage; statistics and data don’t matter,” Aguirre stated. “What lies ahead is what counts.”

El Tri remains undefeated at Estadio Azteca in World Cup matches. The stadium hosted 80,824 fans during Wednesday’s game. Mexico has only lost twice at Azteca, most recently during World Cup qualifying against Honduras in 2013.

The match featured nods to Mexico’s past and future. At 17, Gilberto Mora became the youngest to start in a World Cup for Mexico. Additionally, 40-year-old Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa entered in the 77th minute, joining Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as players appearing in six World Cups.

Mora expressed that playing was “like a dream come true.” He added, “We’re going to keep working to stay on this path. The Mexican national team can become champion.”

Mexico’s win was overshadowed by a homophobic chant from fans, leading to potential sanctions. This chant emerged near the end of the first half when Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar executed a goal kick.

The Czech Republic was knocked out, earning just one point in its three matches. Mexico remains unbeaten in 11 games since losing a friendly against Panama in November. Aguirre has effectively utilized his roster, fielding 25 of 26 players in the tournament. Chávez was among five starters who didn’t start against South Korea.

“Twenty-five of the 26 have played — that is no small detail — nor is it a small detail that everyone celebrates the goals,” Aguirre remarked.

Ochoa, wearing No. 13, played 13 regulation minutes, plus extra time. He likely made his final appearance for Mexico, as he plans to retire from international play after the World Cup.

“Life — football — had this farewell in store for me,” Ochoa reflected. “I’ve given everything.”

Ochoa, a substitute in 2006 and 2010, was Mexico’s starting goalkeeper in 2014, 2018, and 2022. “Regarding Memo’s appearance, we don’t know if he’s going to say goodbye or not, but it was a nice tribute for his six World Cups,” said Aguirre. “He is a legend — he is Mexican.”