This week of the World Cup has seen the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo attract the plaudits for their goalscoring displays, but on Wednesday another tournament cult hero got his moment in the sun too.
Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has been synonymous with Mexico’s last three World Cups but so far at this tournament he has played second-fiddle to first-choice Raul Rangel.
However, during the latter stages of their 3-0 win over Czechia, the 40-year-old was given his chance to shine in a historic feat.
The national hero came on in the 78th minute to a rapturous applause at the Azteca Stadium.
And in doing so the 40-year-old became the oldest Mexican to play in the World Cup. The previous record holder was Cuauhtemoc Blanco, who was 37 when he played at the 2014 World Cup.
Ochoa had already made history before this tournament had started after making a sixth World Cup squad – sharing this record with Messi and Ronaldo. All three have been selected for the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 World Cups – although Ochoa didn’t play in the former two.
Guillermo Ochoa became the oldest Mexican to play at a World Cup after coming on vs Czechia
During his brief cameo on Wednesday, Ochoa also played a role in their final goal when his long ball started the move that led to Alvaro Fidalgo’s goal.
Speaking post-match, Ochoa – who is retiring internationally after the World Cup – was emotional after playing at a ground he knows so well after 15 stellar seasons at club side Club America.
‘What’s going through my mind? Many years and many stories,’ Ochoa said on Mexican television.
‘My first game here, in that goal. Lifting trophies here with my club. Moments with the national team: qualifiers, World Cups. The affection of the people. I don’t have the words to thank them and my team-mates, or the coach for letting me experience this final moment.
‘It has taken a lot of perseverance and sacrifice, but with the help of my family, I did it. It was worth the effort.’
Mexico boss Javier Aguirre praised his veteran goalkeeper too, saying: ‘It was Memo Ochoa’s night. He deserves everything that’s happening to him.
‘I think that it was a good tribute to Memo. He is Mexican, six World Cups, and I think people are happy tonight.
‘I had the feeling that Memo would have to play, and for how long I didn’t know. I never knew until I made the decision, and those are the types of decisions you make as a coach.
‘I wanted Mexico to enjoy the legend of Memo Ochoa, and everybody started chanting Memo, Memo, I love that.’
