Mexico Beats Czechia 3-0 as Ochoa Enters Late in Possible Final Appearance

Guillermo Ochoa entered the pitch in the 78th minute of Mexico’s match against Czechia on June 24. The goalkeeper, wearing a purple jersey and shorts with a patch marking his sixth World Cup appearance, made the sign of the cross and received the captain’s armband from Edson Álvarez before jogging to the goal at Estadio Azteca. Mexico won the match 3-0 in front of a crowd of nearly 81,000.

A long goal kick from Ochoa started a sequence that ended with teammate Alvaro Fidalgo scoring the third goal. Mexico has never lost a World Cup game at the stadium. Ochoa, who turns 41 next month, has indicated he will retire after this World Cup.

He has six World Cup selections, more than 150 national team appearances, six CONCACAF Gold Cup titles and an Olympic bronze medal. Mexico national team coach Javier Aguirre said he felt Ochoa had to play. At the end of the match Ochoa kissed both goalposts and took a knee in front of the goal.

His teammates tossed him into the air while the song “El Rey” played. Ochoa told Telemundo Deportes that closing out at Estadio Azteca was the cherry on top. Ochoa will remain with the squad as it advances to the knockout stage.

An injury to Luis Ángel Malagón created squad space for the appearance. Ochoa stated he leaves with nothing left because he poured it all into his teams and the national squad.