Mexico has done something it rarely does in World Cup tournaments: look completely dominant. El Tri collected 9 points from three group-stage matches without conceding a single goal.
But the stat line wasn’t the story everyone was talking about. That honor belonged to a 77th-minute substitution that had nothing to do with tactics and everything to do with legacy.
Ochoa’s farewell moment on the world’s biggest stage
Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa, Mexico’s iconic goalkeeper, was brought on as a substitute in the 77th minute of one of the group-stage matches. It wasn’t a tactical decision. It was a tribute.
Ochoa is making his sixth World Cup appearance. The veteran goalkeeper, now aged 40-41, has indicated that this tournament will be his final act on the international stage.
