Javier Aguirre has highlighted the crucial role of team unity in the Mexican squad’s World Cup success. His belief that the team is like a family seems to be paying off as the team progresses on a remarkable journey.
In a commanding performance, Mateo Chávez and Julián Quiñones scored six minutes apart early in the second half, helping Mexico secure a 3-0 victory over the Czech Republic on Wednesday. This win marked Mexico’s first-ever sweep of all three group-stage matches in a World Cup.
Chávez, participating in his first World Cup at age 22, netted the opening goal in the 55th minute. Quiñones followed with his second goal of the tournament in the 61st minute. Alvaro Fidalgo sealed the victory with an additional goal in stoppage time.
“It was something very beautiful, and I’ll take it with me to the grave,” Chávez said about his goal.
The team’s best previous group-stage performances were in 1986 and 2002, when they achieved two wins and a draw, both involving Aguirre — first as a midfielder, then as coach. Aguirre is now in his third term leading the national team.
After topping Group A, Mexico will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent in the round-of-32 at Estadio Azteca on Tuesday. Aguirre emphasized the importance of the upcoming knockout stage.
“Now comes the knockout stage; statistics and data don’t matter,” Aguirre stated. “We’re achieving things, but what lies ahead is what counts.”
Mexico remains undefeated in nine World Cup matches at the iconic stadium, drawing a crowd of 80,824 fans. The stadium has only recorded two losses for El Tri, the most recent during a World Cup qualifying match against Honduras in 2013.
The match also highlighted Mexico’s promising future. Gilberto Mora, at 17, became the youngest Mexican to start in a World Cup. Meanwhile, 40-year-old goalkeeper Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa entered the game in the 77th minute, joining the ranks of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as players appearing in six World Cups.
“Now we have tough opponents ahead,” Mora commented. “We aim to keep advancing because the Mexican national team can become champion.”
Despite the triumph, the return of a homophobic chant by fans during the match tainted the victory. The chant, directed toward the Czech goalkeeper, has previously resulted in fines and sanctions against Mexico’s soccer federation.
The Czech Republic exited the tournament with only one point from three games. Mexico’s win extended their unbeaten streak to 11 games since a friendly loss to Panama last November. Aguirre has effectively utilized his roster, with 25 of 26 players seeing action during the tournament.
“Twenty-five of the 26 have played — that is no small detail,” Aguirre noted.
Ochoa, donning the number 13 jersey, played the final 13 minutes of regulation and stoppage time, in what he suggests might be his last appearance for Mexico. He plans to retire from international competition following the World Cup.
“Football had this farewell in store for me. I gave everything,” Ochoa reflected.
He was a substitute in the 2006 and 2010 tournaments and started in 2014, 2018, and 2022. The current tournament features Raúl Rangel as the starting goalkeeper, following Luis Ángel Malagón’s injury, which paved the way for Ochoa’s return.
Ochoa became the oldest Mexican player in the World Cup, surpassing Cuauhtémoc Blanco, who was 37 during the 2014 World Cup in South Africa. Post-match, Ochoa paid homage to the goal post and received an embrace from his teammates.
“Regarding Memo’s appearance, it was a nice tribute for his six World Cups,” Aguirre said.