Mexico stay perfect and bounce Czechs out of World Cup with 3-0 win

MEXICO CITY: Mexico continued their perfect start to the World Cup with a 3-0 romp against the Czech Republic on Wednesday (Jun 24), finishing their group-stage campaign with a flourish and killing off their tame opponents' hopes of making the knockouts.

The co-hosts had already booked their spot in the last 32 as Group A winners but they kept their foot firmly on the throttle to complete a third straight victory that left the Czechs bottom of the standings and out of the tournament.

The game looked to be drifting towards a stalemate before Mexico exploded in the second half, with Mateo Chavez opening the scoring before Julian Quinones grabbed his second of the tournament and Alvaro Fidalgo dealt the final blow.

Mexico's reward for a faultless qualifying performance will be a knockout clash against a third-placed side from Group C, E, F, H or I with the match once again taking place in front of their fervent support in Mexico City on Jun 30.

With progress safely assured, Mexico made a host of changes with striker Raul Jimenez among those dropping to the bench while 17-year-old prodigy Gilberto Mora, whose every touch was loudly appreciated by the crowd, was given a start in midfield.

With their fate riding on the outcome, the Czechs were predictably more eager in the opening exchanges, with Denis Visinsky snatching at an early effort and dragging the ball wide from 10m when space opened up in front of him.

It took 35 minutes for Mexico to conjure a shot on goal and when they did it was a rather improbable overhead kick from centre back Israel Reyes that drifted harmlessly wide.

The game had all the hallmarks of a goalless stalemate before Mexico sparked into life and found the breakthrough to bring the Azteca Stadium to its