Among the teams that have impressed defensively at this World Cup, hosts Mexico stand out. Four matches played, zero goals conceded. As they prepare to face England in the round of 16, the bedrock of that record is the center-back partnership of Cesar Montes and Johan Vasquez — a defensive pairing built on more than a decade of friendship.
Montes and Vasquez’s paths have been intertwined since childhood. In an interview with FIFA, Vasquez recalled how they first met. “I was only 10 or 11 when I first saw him. We met while playing for Pachuca. That’s where we found out we were from the same state, the same region. In tough times, having someone from your area beside you gives you a different kind of strength,” he said.
From Pachuca to Cimarrones de Sonora to Monterrey and now the Mexico national team, the pair have grown together at every stage. “Because we’re from the same area, we always looked out for each other. When I’d go to a new club and didn’t know anyone, Montes would welcome me and help with everything. We’ve known each other very well for many years,” Vasquez said.
One of the pair’s career highlights was winning a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics with Mexico. Several players from that squad are now in the World Cup team. Vasquez believes years of playing together have made the current Mexico squad feel like a family.
Despite the record, Vasquez credited the entire team rather than just the defense. “It’s a great feeling to keep clean sheets. But just because we haven’t conceded doesn’t mean the defense has been perfect. Many times the goalkeeper or other teammates have saved us from certain goals, yet all the credit goes to the defense. It’s really a collective effort,” he said.
The understanding between Montes and Vasquez appears instinctive on the pitch — when one pushes forward, the other covers; when one makes an error, the other compensates. Their knowledge of each other’s strengths and limitations has made Mexico’s defense one of the tournament’s toughest.
Tomorrow at the Azteca Stadium, this childhood friendship turned defensive wall will be Mexico’s main hope of stopping Harry Kane and England’s world-class attack.
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