Mexico players back Ochoa for historic World Cup start vs. Czechia

MEXICO CITY — With their spot already assured into the knockout rounds, Mexico players have been in full help of a potential historic start for goalkeeping icon Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa in opposition to Czechia of their World Cup group stage finale on Wednesday.

Ochoa, 40, was named to Mexico’s squad for a sixth World Cup, becoming a member of players corresponding to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in that milestone.

However, not like Messi and Ronaldo, Ochoa has but to play on this match, serving as backup to Chivas goalkeeper Raul “Tala” Rangel.

“Obviously, it would be extraordinary. Something really cool for ‘Memo.’ For me, he’s a legend of the Mexican national team,” winger Alexis Vega stated forward of the sport.

“I think he’s a player who has always been ready to play for the national team. In the end, [head coach] ‘Vasco’ will make the decision. I think the 26 of us here are ready if we get the opportunity.”

Ochoa made historical past this summer time after being included in Mexico’s World Cup roster for a sixth time. Were he to play in opposition to Czechia, it might mark the fourth time he is earned minutes within the main match.

In Mexico’s two latest victories over South Korea and South Africa that cemented their place into the knockout rounds, the 26-year-old Rangel has been the starter.

“Whether it’s Memo or whoever plays, everyone is prepared for whatever comes their way,” midfielder Roberto “Piojo” Alvarado he stated.

“We’d be happy to see Memo in the net. Obviously, we know that Tala is doing things in the best way possible. And if that were the case [for Ochoa to start]I think Tala would take it well too. There’s a great atmosphere. It’s a great group.”

attacking midfielder Orbelin Pineda was additionally in settlement relating to a potential start for Ochoa.

“We would be proud, to be honest. Personally, I’ve known Memo for quite some time, and he’s a great person, he’s a great player,” Pineda stated.

“We know the leadership he shows on and off the field, and I think all 26 of us are available and will do our best. And if Memo gets the chance, we know he’ll do well.”

Despite having their place already set into the knockout spherical, Mexico’s players additionally famous that they do not need to take their group stage sport on the historic Estadio Azteca calmly.

“We’re very calm, we know we’re already in the next round, but we don’t want to relax,” Vega stated.

“We want to win tomorrow’s game. We know they’re a tough opponent. We want to keep playing the way we have been. I think against [South] Korea, we were able to improve some of our defensive aspects and I think up front we have to continue being clinical in front of goal to keep advancing.”

“We haven’t achieved anything yet,” Pineda stated. “You can feel that strong desire to give our best for our country, for our national team. And well, no, we haven’t won anything. We have a great opportunity tomorrow. To win these three points and then focus on one game at a time.”

Following Wednesday’s match, head coach Javier Aguirre and his males will then put together for their spherical of 32 sport back on the Azteca on June 30. If they have been to win that match, they’d then return to the venue as soon as once more for a spherical of 16 match on July 5.