In the 77th minute, finally, it was Guillermo Ochoa’s time. Supporters chanted ‘Memo’ — Ochoa’s nickname — before the starting line-ups were announced at the Estadio Azteca for Mexico’s last World Cup group game against Czech Republic. Head coach Javier Aguirre satisfied the crowd and the nation, bringing in the 40-year-old veteran to thunderous applause in what is most likely his farewell match. “It’s the most beautiful thing that they recognise your effort. I always try to do it for them,” Ochoa said of the fans after Mexico’s 3-0 win.

The venue couldn’t have been better since he had made his professional debut with Club America in 2004 here. “I felt the affection in the stadium where I was born, the stadium where I grew up,” said Ochoa, who etched his name alongside World Cup greats Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi on Wednesday — albeit with an asterisk. While this tournament marks his sixth World Cup squad selection, it’s just his fourth that includes on-field appearances. He was on the bench at Germany 2006 and South Africa 2010.