MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – If Wednesday’s World Cup match marked the last time Guillermo Ochoa appears in Mexico colours, the 40-year-old goalkeeper ‌could not have wished for a better send-off.
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Brought on for the last 12 minutes with his team 2-0 up against the Czech Republic and cruising into the knockout phase as Group A winners, Ochoa lapped up ​the acclaim of fans at the Azteca stadium, the venue where he made his ​senior debut with Club America in 2004.
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Making his sixth and final appearance â at the World Cup, Ochoa maintained the clean sheet began by Raul Rangel as ​Mexico scored again late on to finish 3-0 winners.
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Mexico will play at the Azteca in the round of 32 but barring a goalkeeping emergency he is unlikely to get on the pitch.
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The veteran keeper, instantly recognisable by his curls, was content with his role.
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“My first game, Azteca. My last game, Azteca. ​It’s been a beautiful final chapter of my career,” he told Mexican TV.
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“Thank you, everyone.”
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Roared on by a crowd dressed in green, white and red, Mexico did not overwhelm the Czechs but ‌were â worthy winners thanks to goals from Mateo Chavez, Julian Quinones and Alvaro Fidalgo.
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The whole venue saluted Ochoa at the final whistle, a proper show of respect for a player whose flying saves and one-man acts of defiance became part of Mexican footballing folklore.
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“He’s an example for all of us. He’s the first one â in the gym and the last one to leave,” Chavez said of Ochoa.
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“This is the icing on the cake of a great career. ​He’s an idol for us, he’s helped guide the group with his experience, â and I’m very happy for him.”
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For supporters, everything has followed the ideal script: a home World Cup, a perfect group run, and a legend walking off with the chants of his name â ringing in his ears.
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They are already daring to talk about the prospect of a long-awaited return to the World Cup quarter-finals.
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Mexico have only reached that stage twice – in 1970 and 1986. When they were hosts.