MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican teenagers Gilberto Mora He scanned his options and threaded a pass to Jorge Sanchez, who collided with the Czech goalkeeper before converting the ball into Julián Quiñones for a 2-0 lead.
That’s exactly the type of inspiration Mexico coach Javier Aguirre was looking for in an attack that looked sluggish despite his team winning its first two games. world cup And he had already decided to advance to the round of 32.
Mora, 17, brought clarity to Mexico’s front line in the final group stage match – 3-0 victory — by allowing Brian Gutierrez to work with the forwards with a fluidity that has been lacking over the past two games.
Morita became the youngest Mexican player to start a World Cup match. He broke Manuel “Chaquetas” Rosas’ record of 18 years and 88 days, which had been held since the first tournament in 1930.
“For me, this is a dream come true. This is something I’ve always strived for,” Mora said after Wednesday’s game. “I haven’t fully realized what I’ve achieved, but I’m very happy.
“We wanted all three wins, but now we have to focus on the next thing. We have to keep working hard and contribute a little bit more, because we have a tough opponent coming up and we want to keep moving forward.”
Expectations are high
Mexico had never before finished the group stage with three wins, and with each game the national expectations rose, with many fans dreaming of reaching the quarter-finals – a historic ceiling reached by El Tri as hosts in 1970 and 1986.
Mora’s sudden impact is even more impressive considering his limited playing time. He came on as a substitute in the game against South Africa and did not feature completely in the game against South Korea. This teenage playmaker is now the talk of the soccer world.
“We kept saying we wanted to see more of him, and he really proved that he’s a star,” said Alberto García Aspe, a former Mexico player and Fox Sports analyst. “The pass for the second goal was impressive.”
Mexico finished Group A with nine points. While his Round of 32 opponent is still up in the air, Mora’s performance has created a welcome selection headache heading into the single-elimination stage.
new generation
Mora already owns several records. In August 2024, at the age of 15, he became the youngest player to start and score in the Mexican First Division. In January 2025, he made his debut for the Mexican national team at the age of 16.
Mora is the youngest of a new generation of players competing in his first World Cup. Joining him will be midfielder Obed Vargas, 20, and fullback Mateo Chavez, 22, who scored the opening goal against the Czech Republic.
“We have some young players who are well prepared beyond their years,” Coach Aguirre said. “My friends, the young generation of Mexico has nothing to fear. This new generation is the future and we have a solid foundation for the future.”
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