Co-hosts Mexico and Czech Republic face each other in their final Group A match at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday. For Mexico the match is a formality; for Czech Republic it is a must-win.
Mexico became the first team at this World Cup to confirm their place in the knockout round, winning both their opening matches: 2-0 against South Africa and 1-0 against South Korea. Six points from six puts them in Thursday’s match free of any pressure, looking only to build momentum heading into the last 32.
Czech Republic, by contrast, still have a path through. They opened with a 2-1 defeat to South Korea, then earned a point with a 1-1 draw against South Africa. One point from two games keeps their hopes alive, but only just: to advance they must beat Mexico and also rely on the South Korea versus South Africa result going their way.
The two sides last met in 2000, when Czech Republic beat Mexico 2-1. Twenty-six years on, they face each other for the first time on a World Cup stage. Whether Czech Republic can repeat that victory and force their way into the knockout round, or whether Mexico take revenge and end their opponents’ tournament — that is the drama Thursday’s match will resolve.
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