Memo And A Party: 5 Takeaways From Mexico's Win Over Czechia At The World Cup

This wasn’t just a win. It was a festival. 

How else could you describe the incredible scenes we saw tonight in Mexico City?  A vibrant, feel-good, extremely joyous party was on display as Mexican fans, already comfortable with the fact that their national team had already topped Group A and made it to the Round of 32, saw El Tri come out victorious with a 3-0 over Czechia. 

And let me tell you something, this Mexican side is here not to just compete. It wants to make history. 

Here are my takeaways:

The noise at the mythical venue in Mexico City was elevated, the energy amped to the fullest volumes. It has absolutely made the most out of playing on home soil and fully delivering. 

Javier Aguirre made five changes from the team that won over South Korea, which included the teenager Gilberto Mora. Later in the match, Guillermo Ochoa even entered the game in the joy of the stadium, generating even more celebrations for the Mexican faithful. 

Mexico played with more freedom and a sense that there was no pressure to get a result. 

The first goal came thanks to 22-year-old fullback Mateo Chávez, who scored his first goal at the World Cup thanks to his first start. It was a great finish with great aggression and composure in the 54th minute from the full back. Six minutes later, the home side doubled its lead thanks to the team’s most dangerous player thus far in the tournament: Julián Quiñones. After that, the party continued as Ochoa came on with a loud reception.

"Olé!" could be heard every time the team touched the ball until the end of the match. 

And then in stoppage time, Alvaro Fidalgo signed it and delivered it, fully concluding the party with a powerful finish for a 3-0 win. 

Think about this for a second. Mexico is