Czech Republic 0-3 Mexico: Eliminated with 1 point at the bottom of the group; 40-year-old goalkeeper Ochoa came off the bench to set a record

In a World Cup Group A final-round match that ended on June 25 Beijing time, the Czech Republic fell 0-3 to Mexico. During the first half, Vysinsky's low drive posed a threat, with just one shot on target from either side. In the second half, Mateo Chávez and Quiñones netted two goals in quick succession for Mexico to lock in the win, as 40-year-old veteran Ochoa came off the bench to set a milestone. Fidalgo added a third in injury time.

After three rounds, the Czech Republic finished with one draw and two losses, totaling one point, placing them at the bottom of the group. They became the second European team to be eliminated, following Turkey. Mexico, on the other hand, won all three matches with nine points, scoring six goals and conceding none, securing the top spot.

[Key Moment]

In the 55th minute, Mexican defender Mateo Chávez charged from midfield on a solo run and slotted home, giving Mexico a 1-0 lead over the Czech Republic.

In the 61st minute, Sánchez's one-on-one chance was cleared, but the Czech Republic failed to deal with the ball in the box, allowing Quiñones to score from a fortunate rebound, making it 2-0 for Mexico.

During stoppage time, substitute Fidalgo sealed the victory for Mexico, making it 3-0 against the Czech Republic.

[Match Highlights]

In the 7th minute, Schulz delivered a cross from the right, and Vysinsky followed up with a low shot that skimmed past the far post and went out of play.

In the 26th minute, Vysinsky received the ball on the left side of the box, but his subsequent shot was blocked by a Mexican defender.

In the 36th minute, Mexico sent a free kick into the box, and Reyes attempted a bicycle kick, but the ball went wide of the goal.

In the 38th minute, Jorge Sánchez received a through ball on the right side of the box and fired a shot, which was saved by Kovar.

In the 45th minute, Quiñones unleashed a surprise shot from the left flank, just clearing the crossbar.

In the 78th minute, Mexico's 40-year-old goalkeeper Ochoa came on as a substitute, making his sixth World Cup appearance—matching Ronaldo and Messi—and participating in four consecutive editions. He also became the oldest Mexican player to feature in a World Cup match.

In the 87th minute, substitute Souček suffered a serious injury while challenging Ochoa for a goal kick and had to be replaced, bidding a sorrowful farewell to the World Cup.

[Player Ratings]

[Match Statistics]

[Lineups]

Czech Republic starting XI: 1-Kovar, 3-Holeš (64'22-Souček (87'19-Horý)), 4-Hranač, 5-Coufal, 7-Krejčí, 21-Doudera, 12-Červ (87'24-Sojka), 18-Michal Sadílek, 9-Hložek (64'10-Schick), 15-Schulz, 26-Vysinsky (56'17-Provod)

Unused substitutes: 16-Staněk, 23-Horníček, 2-Zima, 6-Halaup, 20-Železný, 8-Darida, 25-Soukup, 11-Kuchta, 13-Chytil

Mexico starting XI: 1-Rangel (78'13-Ochoa), 2-Jorge Sánchez, 3-César Montes, 4-Edson Álvarez, 15-Israel Reyes, 20-Mateo Chávez (78'23-Jesús Gallardo), 7-Luis Romo (64'11-S. Giménez), 19-Gilberto Mora (72'8-Fidalgo), 16-Quiñones, 22-Guillermo Martínez (64'18-Obed Vargas), 25-Roberto Alvarado

Unused substitutes: 12-Carlos Acevedo, 5-Johan Vásquez, 6-Erik Lira, 17-Pineda, 24-Luis Chávez, 26-Brian Gutiérrez, 9-Raúl Jiménez, 10-Alexis Vega, 14-Armando González, 21-César Huerta