Guillermo Ochoa on Mexico speech: “Whatever happened, we had to give everything.” | OneFootball

Speaking at a press conference, Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa discussed what he told the Mexican team after their 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia in Group C, which eventually proved to not be enough for a last 16 place in Qatar. The 37-year-old said:

“I said I was proud of the group and the team and that we leave with our heads held high – it was what we had talked about before the game, whatever happened, we had to give everything for our country. Obviously, the objective was not to exit at this round but I think that the team competed well in each game. I told them to feel proud of what they did, to keep their heads up, and that not everyone gets to experience the World Cup, we’re lucky and privileged to be here... I said that they should feel proud because it was a good performance.”

It was Mexico’s first exit before the second round of a World Cup in 40 years, having made the last 16 for every tournament since 1986.