Mexico's 'Favor' Keeps Korea's Hopes Alive: 3-0 Win Over Czech Republic Secures 3rd Straight Victory

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Our national team still holds a slim hope of advancing to the Round of 32, thanks to Mexico, who defeated the Czech Republic 3-0 and pushed them to the bottom of the group. Even while resting many of their key players, Mexico cruised to their third consecutive win, sending their home fans into a frenzy.

Bae Jeonghun reports.

[Reporter]

Having already secured first place in the group, Mexico rested five key players, including ace Jimenez, to manage their condition.

Although they struggled slightly in the first half against a desperate Czech side, Mexico displayed overwhelming performance in the second half.

In the 10th minute of the second half, during a counterattack, Romo overcame pressure from three defenders and passed the ball to the overlapping Chavez. Chavez skillfully dribbled past a defender and fired a left-footed shot to score the opening goal, electrifying the crowd of 80,000.

The second goal also came from a counterattack.

In the 16th minute of the second half, the Czech goalkeeper blocked a brilliant through ball from Mora, but Quinones tapped the loose ball into the net, marking his second goal of the tournament.

In the 33rd minute of the second half, 40-year-old veteran goalkeeper Ochoa, who has worn the Mexican national team jersey for six consecutive World Cups, stepped onto the pitch for the first time in this tournament, drawing thunderous cheers. Mexico completed a 3-0 victory with a final goal from Fidalgo in stoppage time.

After finishing the group stage with three straight wins, the Mexican players celebrated by tossing Ochoa into the air.

[Ochoa / Mexico National Team Goalkeeper: Being able to play on this World Cup stage as a member of the Mexican national team and enjoy every moment is an emotion that is truly beyond words.]

With the Czech Republic eliminated in 4th place with 1 draw and 2 losses, our national team, now 3rd in the group, can keep their hopes of reaching the Round of 32 alive.

(Video Editing: Ha Seong-won)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.