Mexico maintained their flawless start to the FIFA World Cup with a commanding 3-0 win over the Czech Republic on Thursday, sealing a perfect group-stage record and eliminating their opponents from the competition.
Having already secured first place in Group A, the tournament co-hosts produced a dominant second-half performance at the Azteca Stadium. Goals from Mateo Chavez, Julian Quinones and Alvaro Fidalgo ensured Mexico finished the group phase with three victories from three matches, while the Czech Republic exited the tournament at the bottom of the standings.
The opening half offered little excitement, with both sides struggling to create meaningful chances. The Czech Republic showed early intent but failed to capitalise, as Denis Visinsky wasted a promising opportunity.
Mexico’s first notable attempt came in the 35th minute when Israel Reyes sent an overhead kick narrowly off target.
Mexico eventually found their breakthrough 10 minutes after the restart. Luis Romo threaded a precise pass into the path of Chavez, who kept his composure before finishing beyond goalkeeper Matej Kovar.
The hosts doubled their lead in the 61st minute following a lively run from teenager Gilberto Mora. Jorge Sanchez’s initial effort caused confusion inside the Czech penalty area, allowing Quinones to react quickest and score his second goal of the tournament.
Substitute Fidalgo rounded off the victory in stoppage time with a spectacular strike from outside the box, firing into the top corner to cap another impressive display from Javier Aguirre’s side.
The match also marked a historic moment for veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who came off the bench late on to earn his 154th international appearance and feature in his sixth World Cup.
“I think the team played a good game,” Aguirre said after the match. “There are always aspects we can improve, but overall it was a very positive night for us.”
Mexico will return to the Azteca Stadium for their last-32 encounter on Tuesday, where they will face one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
The co-hosts remain unbeaten in their last nine World Cup matches at the iconic venue.
