Mexico crushed Czechia 3-0 Wednesday night,completing perfect World Cup group stage for first time ever . At Azteca Stadium,Mateo Chavez and Julian Quinones scored two quick goals after halftime,then Alvaro Fidalgo added late one.
Chavez, just 22 and on World Cup debut, broke deadlock in 55th minute . Six minutes later,Quinones scored his second of tournament . Fidalgo wrapped it up in stoppage time .
This win showed Mexico's muscle in tournament and marked big step up from past group stages. Best results before were two wins and draw in 1986 and 2002,both under Javier Aguirre — midfielder then, coach later.
With win, Mexico tops Group A, heading to knockout stage . Opponent still unknown for Tuesday. Czechia's campaign fizzled out,just one point from three games.
Match had moments echoing Mexico's football past and future. Gilberto Mora,only 17, became youngest to start for Mexico in World Cup . Veteran keeper Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa came on in 77th minute,joining elite players like Messi and Ronaldo with six World Cups.
But controversy too. Fans chanted homophobic slur during game,a chant that's led to fines against Mexican Football Federation before. "Male prostitute" slur's been used to taunt keepers during goal kicks for almost 25 years. Despite federation's efforts, chant's come back in several World Cups — Brazil, Russia,Qatar.
As Mexico gears up for knockout rounds, they aim to build on historic achievement while tackling fan behavior issues. Team's showing so far has fans dreaming of deep tournament run…
