Co-hosts Mexico sealed top spot in World Cup Group A with a perfect record on Wednesday, defeating the Czech Republic 3-0 at the Estadio Azteca.
Mexico advance to a last-32 clash at the same venue on June 30, while the Czechs exit the tournament after finishing bottom of the group.
Mateo Chávez opened the scoring in the 55th minute, before Julián Quiñones capitalised on defensive confusion to double the lead six minutes later.
Álvaro Fidalgo added a third in stoppage time, smashing home a cross four minutes into added time to complete a commanding performance.
Mexico also gave veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa a second-half appearance, allowing the 40-year-old to feature in a sixth World Cup finals.
South Africa make history
Meanwhile, South Africa reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history with a 1-0 win over South Korea, completing a remarkable turnaround after an opening defeat.
The Bafana Bafana, appearing at their first World Cup since hosting in 2010, were written off after a 2-0 loss to Group A winners Mexico in their opening match.
However, they recovered with a draw against the Czech Republic before edging South Korea in what amounted to a decisive group-stage showdown in Monterrey, thanks to Thapelo Maseko’s second-half winner.
South Africa coach Hugo Broos said the achievement was difficult to put into words.
“We scored that goal, and then it was 20 minutes of heartbeats and hoping the game would finish as soon as possible,” said the Belgian.
“So yes, we are in the second round. It’s historic. But I’m very happy for the players. I’ve worked with them for five years, and what we’ve achieved in that time is amazing.”
AFP
