Guillermo Ochoa was playing in his record sixth World Cup, while 17-year-old Gilberto Mora shone as co-hosts Mexico beat the Czech Republic for the third time in Group A, becoming the youngest player to play in the tournament for 24 years.
Mexico took first place in the group after defeating South Africa and South Korea, but continued their good performance thanks to second-half goals from Mateo Chavez, Julian Quinones and Álvaro Fidalgo in a party atmosphere at the Azteca Stadium.
It was a night of celebration for Mexico, who are likely to face England in the last 16, and a historic substitute appearance from the 40-year-old Ochoa, who made a record sixth World Cup appearance alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ochoa’s long kick led to Mexico’s late three-pointer, and the man at the other end of his career in Mora had a hand in the second when his through ball released Jorge Sánchez in the build-up. At the age of 17 years and 101 days, he became the youngest World Cup starter since Nigeria’s Femi Opabunmi started against England in 2002.
While Mexico celebrated, the Czech Republic calmly bowed out of the tournament, hitting just one shot that night. Their misery was compounded by the possibility of a serious injury to West Ham’s Tomas Soucek, who needed help after injuring his knee.
If South Africa beats Korea 1-0, they will advance to the round of 32 as 2nd place in Group A, but Korea will have to wait for other results to determine whether they will advance to 3rd place.
Important moments in Mexico City…
- 8: firing! Vyszynski fires a low shot towards the Czech Republic.
- 39: above! Alvarado achieves Mexico’s highest first-half winning percentage
- 55: target! Chavez broke the deadlock with a stunning finish
- 61: target! Quinones added a second place behind Mora’s good performance.
- 72: Mora gets applause from Mexican fans as he is replaced.
- 78: Ochoa came on as a substitute and received a loud applause.
- 90+4: target! Fidalgo sparked more celebrations by adding a late third.
IN PHOTOS: Ochoa’s historic cameo
Ochoa was replaced by Raul Rangel in the 78th minute, marking his 154th cap.
Ochoa wore the captain’s armband after introductions.
Ochoa celebrates with Mexico coach Javier Aguirre after scoring his third goal.
Ochoa was thrown into the air by his teammates after the final whistle.
