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Mexico completed the group stage with a flawless record after a dominant 3-0 victory over the Czech Republic on Thursday, securing top spot in Group A and ending the Europeans’ World Cup campaign.
After a goalless first half at the Mexico City Stadium, Javier Aguirre’s side stepped up the tempo after the break and struck three times to underline their superiority.
Mateo Chávez opened the scoring in the 55th minute, firing home from Luis Romo’s assist to finally break Czech resistance. Six minutes later, Julián Quiñones doubled Mexico’s advantage, finishing off a well-worked move created by Jorge Sánchez.
The Czech Republic, needing a positive result to keep their qualification hopes alive, struggled to create meaningful chances throughout the contest and looked increasingly vulnerable as Mexico controlled possession and dictated the pace.
Mexico sealed the emphatic victory deep into stoppage time when substitute Álvaro Fidalgo curled a superb effort into the top corner in the 94th minute, sparking celebrations among the home supporters.
The defeat confirmed the Czech Republic’s elimination from the tournament after a disappointing group-stage campaign marked by a lack of attacking threat. Despite introducing experienced players Tomas Soucek and Patrik Schick in the second half, the Europeans failed to find a way back into the contest.
Mexico’s victory also marked their biggest World Cup win since their 4-0 triumph over El Salvador in 1970, highlighting the team’s growing confidence under Aguirre.
There was also a memorable moment late in the match as veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa came on for his 154th international appearance. The 40-year-old, who has featured in multiple World Cup tournaments, received a standing ovation from the crowd.
With three wins from three matches, Mexico advance to the knockout stage as Group A winners and one of the tournament’s most in-form teams, while the Czech Republic head home after failing to progress beyond the group phase.
