Guillermo Ochoa made a record sixth World Cup appearance and 17-year-old Gilberto Mora became the youngest player to start at the tournament for 24 years as hosts Mexico eliminated the Czech Republic with their third straight Group A win.
Mexico had already qualified for the group after defeating South Africa and South Korea but continued to enjoy good form thanks to second-half goals from Mateo Chavez, Julian Quinones and Alvaro Fidalgo in a party scene at Azteca Stadium.
It was a night of celebration for Mexico, who will likely meet England in the round of 32, and it featured a historic replacement for 40-year-old Ochoa, who joined Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in winning a record sixth World Cup.
Ochoa’s long kick gave Mexico the lead at the end of the third and the player at the end of his career, Mora, had a hand in the second when his ball released Jorge Sanchez in the adjustment. At 17 years and 101 days, he became the youngest player to start a World Cup match since Nigeria’s Femi Opabunmi against England in 2002.
As Mexico celebrated, the Czech Republic came out of the contest with heart, only getting one shot on target on the night. Their woes were compounded by a potentially serious injury to West Ham’s Tomas Soucek, who needed help after stabbing his knee.
South Africa’s 1-0 victory over South Korea means that they will advance to Group A, while South Korea must wait for other results to know if they will advance to third place.
Highlights from Mexico City…
- 8: SHOT! Denis Visinsky drags a low shot wide for the Czech Republic
- 39: IT’S DONE! Roberto Alvarado scored Mexico’s best chance of the first half
- 55: GOAL! Chavez breaks the deadlock with a cool finish
- 61: GOAL! Quinones added the second after good work from Mora
- 72: Mora is applauded by the Mexican fans as he is subbed off
- 78: Ochoa receives a standing ovation as he is sent off
- 90+4: GOAL! Fidalgo added a third late on to spark more celebrations
In pictures: Ochoa’s historic cameo
Ochoa took the captain’s armband following his presentation
Ochoa celebrates with Mexico coach Javier Aguirre after the third goal
Ochoa is thrown into the air by his teammates after the final whistle
Analysis: Mora is a breakout star
With first place in Group A already assured going into their final game, Mexico manager Javier Aguirre made changes to his squad including the introduction of Mora. However, in this proof, the 17-year-old boy will be holding the shirt.
The youngest player on the field was also leading the way.
Even with a poor first half from his teammates, Mora seemed to be looking for the ball, driving forward and showing excellent footwork, darting from side to side and creating a clear opening for Alvarado, who should have scored.
Mora stood out when Mexico defeated the Czech Republic 3-0
Mora contributed to their collective development after a while, helping Mexico push the Czechs back and playing the pass that opened up the defense for the second goal. All this from a player who is young enough to be the son of his teammate Ochoa.
The midfielder signed a new three-year contract with his club Tijuana ahead of the tournament but there are already reports that he has been linked with Real Madrid and is sure to have plenty of players this summer as he has emerged as a star.
