Mexico completed a perfect FIFA World Cup group-stage campaign with a 3-0 win over the Czech Republic at the Azteca Stadium, eliminating the Czechs and strengthening the co-hosts’ momentum before the knockout round.

Second-half goals from Mateo Chavez, Julian Quinones and Alvaro Fidalgo gave Mexico their third straight win in Group A. The result left Mexico top of the group with a flawless record, while the Czech Republic finished bottom and exited the tournament.

Mexico had already secured qualification as Group A winners before the match, but head coach Javier Aguirre rotated his side and still saw his team produce another controlled performance. Striker Raul Jimenez was among the players rested, while 17-year-old Gilberto Mora started in midfield and impressed the home crowd.

The Czech Republic, needing a result to keep their knockout hopes alive, began with more urgency. Denis Visinsky missed an early chance, dragging his effort wide from close range as Mexico took time to settle.

Mexico’s first clear attempt came late in the first half when defender Israel Reyes tried an overhead kick, but the effort drifted wide. The match remained goalless at halftime before Mexico raised the tempo after the break.

The breakthrough came in the 55th minute when Luis Romo won possession in midfield and played Mateo Chavez through. Chavez drove into the area and calmly finished past goalkeeper Matej Kovar.

Mexico doubled the lead six minutes later after Mora helped create the move with a strong run and pass into Czech territory. Jorge Sanchez’s effort caused a scramble before Julian Quinones followed up to score his second goal of the tournament.

The Azteca crowd later gave a loud reception to veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who came on as a substitute and earned his 154th international cap at his sixth World Cup.

Fidalgo completed the win deep into stoppage time with a powerful strike from the edge of the area, sealing Mexico’s biggest World Cup win in years and maintaining their clean-sheet record in the group stage.

Mexico will now face a third-placed team from Group C, E, F, H or I in the knockout stage, with the match scheduled for June 30 in Mexico City.

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