On June 25, in the third round of the FIFA World Cup Group A, Mexico defeated Czech Republic 3-0, advancing to the knockout stage with three wins, no losses, and no goals conceded. Head coach Javier Aguirre said after the match that the team paid tribute to Ochoa and would focus on the challenges ahead.
Aguirre said: "It was a beautiful night. I didn't like the first few minutes because the opponent controlled the ball in our half and entered the penalty area twice. This made me a little worried, but we adjusted, and we played better in the second half. We want to pay tribute to Ochoa, who is participating in his sixth FIFA World Cup. He is a legend and a true Mexican. What more could we ask for?"
"I believe the fans will go home happy. Compared to the matches against South Africa and South Korea, we played with more continuity today. We won 2-0 and 1-0 in the first two rounds, and today we were able to control the ball throughout, played well, and scored goals. In the final stages, they put pressure on us, which is normal because they had to take risks or they would be eliminated."
He continued: "We are studying our next opponent, and hopefully we will know who it is tomorrow. I believe we will not dwell on what we have already achieved, but will focus on the challenges ahead. In this regard, our mindset has improved."
"When the score was still 0-0, the fans were very strict and demanding, but the players refocused themselves and were not distracted. They maintained emotional balance and continued to concentrate on what they needed to do."
Regarding his expectations for the knockout stage, Aguirre said: "At my age, and having experienced so many things, I am not particularly inclined to dream big. I prefer to take it step by step, move slowly, and live in the present."
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