Mexico goals: Mateo Chavez (55), Julian Quinones (61), Alvaro Fidalgo (90+4)
The momentum continues to build for , who wrapped up their group-stage commitments with a third straight victory by confidently swatting aside 3-0. The defeat in turn means Czechia have been eliminated.
The co-hosts came into this contest already certain of top spot in Group A and a place in the Round of 32, but Czechia needed a positive result in order to stand any chance of joining El Tri in the knockout stage.
As such it was Miroslav Koubek’s side who were the more aggressive in the opening exchanges, with Denis Visinsky especially lively and fizzing a low effort just past the post in the eighth minute.
Mexico gradually settled into their rhythm though, and ten minutes into the second half Mateo Chavez used his pace to break in behind before calmly slotting home and sparking bedlam inside .
The massed ranks in the stands had barely regained their composure before they were sent into raptures again six minutes later, when Julian Quinones poked home from close range to make it 2-0.
The celebrations were ramped up even further with 12 minutes remaining when Javier Aguirre sent on 40-year-old goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, involved in his sixth edition of the World Cup, before Alvaro Fidalgo added the gloss with another goal in injury time.
This is the first time Mexico have won all three of their group-stage matches at the World Cup, and also the first time they have kept clean sheets in all of their group-stage games since 1970.
“(The coach told us) to have personality, to play the way we’ve been playing with our clubs, and to give everything for this country, because we’ll never have a home World Cup again.” Obed Vargas, Mexico midfielder
“I really think the most important thing is staying calm. The group has that mindset, along with humility. Above all, we’re a very hard-working team. We’re not satisfied with what we’ve done so far, and that’s because we set these goals for ourselves. We’re taking it step by step, one match at a time. Right now, the next game is the most important one for us, and we hope to prepare in the best possible way to put in a good performance.” Guillermo Martinez, Mexico forward
Sources: FIFA Official
