Guillermo Ochoa appeared at a record sixth World Cup and 17-year-old Gilberto Mora shone as the youngest player to start in the competition for 24 years as co-hosts Mexico eliminated Czech Republic with a third consecutive win in Group A.
Mexico were already through as group winners after beating South Africa and South Korea but continued the feel-good factor thanks to second-half goals from Mateo Chavez, Julian Quinones and Alvaro Fidalgo in a party atmosphere at the Azteca Stadium.
It was a night of celebration for Mexico, who could potentially meet England after the round of 32, and featured an historic substitute appearance from 40-year-old Ochoa, who joined Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in featuring at a record sixth World Cup.
Ochoa’s long kick led to Mexico’s late third and a player at the opposite end of his career, in Mora, had a hand in their second when his through-ball released Jorge Sanchez in the build-up. At 17 years and 101 days, he became the youngest player to start a World Cup game since Nigeria’s Femi Opabunmi against England in 2002.
As Mexico celebrated, Czech Republic bowed out of the tournament tamely, mustering only one shot on target on the night. Their misery was compounded by a potentially serious injury to West Ham’s Tomas Soucek, who had to be helped off after jarring his knee.
South Africa’s 1-0 win over South Korea means they advance Group A runners up, while South Korea must wait for other results to know if they will go through via the third-place table.
The key moments from Mexico City…
- 8: SHOT! Denis Visinsky drags a low shot just wide for Czech Republic
- 39: OVER! Roberto Alvarado hits Mexico’s best chance of first half over
- 55: GOAL! Chavez breaks the deadlock with a cool finish
- 61: GOAL! Quinones adds second after good work from Mora
- 72: Mora is applauded off by the Mexico fans as he is substituted
- 78: Ochoa receives huge ovation as he’s sent on as a substitute
- 90+4: GOAL! Fidalgo adds late third to spark more celebrations
In pictures: Ochoa’s historic cameo
Ochoa replaced Raul Rangel in the 78th minute for his 154th cap
Ochoa took the captain’s armband following his introduction
Ochoa celebrates with Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre after the third goal
Ochoa is thrown into the air by his team-mates after the final whistle
Analysis: Mora is a breakout star
With first place in Group A already assured going into their final game, Mexico boss Javier Aguirre made changes to his team which included the introduction of Mora. On this evidence, though, the 17-year-old will be keeping hold of the shirt.
The youngest player on the pitch was also the best.
Even in a lacklustre first-half display from the co-hosts, Mora could be seen demanding the ball, driving forward and demonstrating excellent footwork, shimmying this way and that and creating a clear opening for Alvarado, who should have scored.
Mora shone in Mexico’s 3-0 win over Czech Republic
Mora was the catalyst for their collective improvement after the interval, helping Mexico push the Czechs backwards and playing the pass which unlocked their defence for the second goal. All this from a player young enough to be his team-mate Ochoa’s son.
The midfielder signed a new three-year contract with his club Tijuana ahead of the tournament but there have already been reports of links with Real Madrid and he is sure to have plenty more suitors this summer having emerged as a breakout star.
