Mexico kept their perfect World Cup record with a 3-0 win over the Czech Republic to finish top of their group with maximum points.
Already through after wins over South Africa and South Korea, coach Javier Aguirre made five changes for the final group game in Mexico City. One of them, left-back Mateo Chavez, opened the scoring soon after the break with his first international goal.
Teenager Gilberto Mora impressed on his first start and helped create Mexico’s second, with Jorge Sanchez’s effort eventually turned in by Julian Quinones. Mora, 17 years and 253 days old, became the youngest player ever to start a men’s World Cup match for Mexico before being substituted to a standing ovation.
Replacement Alvaro Fidalgo added a third with a fine strike into the top corner. The result ended the Czech Republic’s campaign and sent Mexico into the knockout stage with nine points from three games.
Veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa also drew a huge cheer when he came on late. The 40-year-old is in his sixth World Cup squad, matching Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, though he has played in four tournaments.
