McIlroy seeks his fourth European title in Dubai

Despite the fact that Guillermo Ochoa has won six World Cups with Mexico, Javier Aguirre made it clear that he will not field the goalkeeper for mere recognition. After the victory against South Korea, versions emerged about a possible “tribute” against the Czech Republic. The technician firmly deactivated them.

“I always said, since I came back, that I wasn’t going to give anything away, that those who are here are due to their own merit. Due to injury we lost Marcel Ruiz, Luis Ángel Malagón and Rodrigo Huescas. Those who are in the best moment come to the National Team,” declared the ‘Basque’ in a conference.

Aguirre recognized the historical weight of Ochoa – present in every World Cup since Germany 2006, although he only played in Brazil 2014, Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022 – and mentioned that the goalkeeper announced his retirement after this tournament. But that doesn’t guarantee you minutes.

“I don’t know how many Mexican players have been in six World Cups. Memo is with us distilling wisdom and experience, but even he gets tired of being talked to if he is going to play. I see him well, like Carlos Acevedo and ‘Tala’ Rangel,” he added.

In the last training session, Ochoa felt discomfort in his hip due to the poor state of the field at the CAR, but a serious injury was ruled out. His participation against the Czechs remains unknown, but Aguirre was blunt: there will be no gifts.

Lincoln Financial Field, located in Philadelphia, United States, is emerging as one of the relevant venues for the 2026 World Cup. With a capacity of 68,532 spectators and a natural grass surface, it meets FIFA’s operational requirements.

Key data

The venue opened its doors on August 3, 2003. Its construction cost 512 million dollars. It is owned by the Philadelphia City Council, which facilitates logistical coordination during mass events.

Its exact location, with coordinates 39°54’03″N 75°10’04″W, integrates it into the urban fabric of the city. This is key for access, mobility and services during the competition.

With more than two decades of operation, the stadium is positioned as a first-class urban asset. Its 21st century design and capacity place it among the venues capable of hosting high-demand matches at the world tournament.

A historical record

Cristiano Ronaldo was once again the protagonist. The Portuguese striker scored two goals in a 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan and became the first player to score in six different editions of the World Cup.

“I’m back,” he said in front of the camera after the game. His goals came in the 6th and 39th minutes, after assists from João Cancelo and Bruno Fernandes.

The 41-year-old star had been criticized for not scoring in the debut against Congo. “When things go wrong, they say I’m done,” he said. “But today we responded well.”

Coach Roberto Martínez praised his professionalism: “He has the right to feel, but his response is always to work.”

Fabio Cannavaro, Uzbekistan’s coach, warned: “If you give him an inch in the area, you are dead.”

Cristiano has 10 goals in World Cups. He surpassed Eusébio as Portugal’s all-time top scorer in the tournament. He is also the second-oldest player to score in a World Cup, behind only Roger Milla.

He shares with Lionel Messi the record of six World Cups played, but he is the only one who has scored in all of them. Messi did not score in 2010.

This could be his last World Cup. He has 145 goals with the national team, an absolute record. The match was his 230th for Portugal, the most in history.