Guillermo Memo Ochoa was the main star in the 0-0 tie between Mexico and Poland in Group C’s first game for two reasons. The first for joining, together with Andrés Guardado, the elite club of players who have played in five World Cup finals. And second, for saving a penalty kick from Poland's star player Robert Lewandowski in the 54th minute, which helped the Mexican team earn its first point.
In the Mexico vs Poland match
The Mexican fans went wild when goalkeeper Memo Ochoa saved a penalty kick from none other than Robert Lewandowsky.
This is not the first time the goalkeeper has saved Mexico in a World Cup. 😜🤣🇲🇽✨ pic.twitter.com/nQ0Wx8cG4R- Angie (@Angie19380350) November 22, 2022
The 37-year-old veteran goalkeeper wanted to thank his loved ones for supporting him throughout his career:
For my family, friends and loved ones who are always there when the going gets tough it goes for you and always for you... I love you! THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS BEING ... and to the people who have always believed in me. Days like today are worth sacrificing everything for. #NomemoNoParty pic.twitter.com/7cPBJJXTrdx
- Guillermo Ochoa (@yosoy8a) November 22, 2022
Midfielder Andrés Guardado also made World Cup history for sporting his Mexican jersey for the fifth time. There are now four Mexican players (Rafa Márquez and Antonio Carbajal) who can count their World Cup appearances on one hand. Leo Messi (in this edition), Gianluigi Buffon and Lothar Matthaus also reached this figure, as did Cristiano Ronaldo.
The team coached by Gerardo Tata Martino, had an incredible World Cup debut. They dominated the field and took better shots than their opponents. One of the most memorable moments was when Henry Martin deflected Edson Álvarez's shot with his back.
Mexico is in third place in its group ahead of Argentina, which was the first disappointment of the Qatar World Cup when it lost 2-1 to Saudi Arabia.