World Cup icon retires on the spot and breaks down in tears after England win | Football | Sport
Guillermo Ochoa broke down on tears on the Mexico bench (Image: ITV SPORT)
Mexico legend Guillermo Ochoa has announced his immediate retirement from football after their World Cup exit at England‘s hands. In what proved to be one of the tournament’s most gripping encounters, Thomas Tuchel‘s side secured a remarkable 3-2 victory at the Azteca Stadium, despite playing with 10 men for the majority of the second half.
There were jubilant scenes at the final whistle as the Three Lions were cheered by pockets of white shirts amongst the crowd. At the opposite end, a moving farewell unfolded. Ochoa honoured his pledge, revealing he would be walking away from the sport after 23 years as a professional. He was lifted aloft by his team-mates following the match as he bid farewell to supporters alongside his family.
Ochoa, who appeared to be holding back tears on the Mexico bench, told reporters: “My first game, Azteca. My last game, Azteca. It’s been a beautiful final chapter of my career. Thank you, everyone.”
The veteran shot-stopper, who celebrates his 41st birthday on July 13, revealed ahead of the tournament that he would be calling time on his playing days once El Tri’s involvement concluded.
It marks the end of his distinguished career spanning 153 international caps, including 12 appearances at World Cup finals.
Ochoa racked up more than 425 appearances for Club America during two separate stints, cementing his status as a Mexican football legend.
Between those periods, he undertook a European journey that took in spells with AC Ajaccio, Malaga, Granada, Standard Liege, Salernitana, AVS and most recently AEL Limassol last season.
Ochoa relinquished his position as Mexico’s first-choice goalkeeper at the tournament, despite holding the No. 1 jersey since 2014.
Nevertheless, he remained part of the squad – his sixth World Cup finals appearance stretching back to 2006 – as he utilised his vast experience to support Javier Aguirre’s team throughout the month-long competition.
Aguirre granted him one last send-off at the Azteca Stadium during Mexico’s final group-stage match against Czechia, having already secured top spot in the group.
The legendary goalkeeper has retired from football at the age of 40 (Image: undefined)
He entered the action in the 77th minute, replacing Raul Rangel as they cruised to a 3-0 victory.
Yet he could not prevent Mexico from exiting at the last-16 stage, with England delivering an impressive display inside the Azteca.
Battling through thunderstorms and an altitude exceeding 7,000ft above sea level, Tuchel’s side seized control when Jude Bellingham netted a rapid-fire brace in the opening half, before Julian Quinones pulled one back on 42 minutes.
Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card to leave England’s position in jeopardy, only for Harry Kane to convert from the penalty spot on the hour mark.
Mexico were handed a spot-kick of their own after Kane was deemed to have kicked his opponent inside the area and Raul Jimenez stepped up to narrow the gap.
Despite mounting late pressure on Jordan Pickford’s goal, Mexico were unable to find an equaliser as England emerged 3-2 victors on the evening.
They inflicted upon their opponents just their third defeat there in 90 matches and first-ever in a World Cup fixture.
England will meet Norway in a mouth-watering quarter-final clash on Saturday after the Scandinavian side shocked Brazil courtesy of an Erling Haaland brace.
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