Nothing impossible against Mexico despite Azteca challenge, says Czech coach

Czech coach Miroslav Koubek insists his team must disregard Mexico's formidable World Cup history at the Azteca Stadium and maintain belief in their dream of reaching the knockout stage. The two teams face a decisive Group A clash on Wednesday.

“

We know their successes are really fascinating. It's a great success and we really do respect that. We have great respect for Mexican football and also for Mexican fans.

Mexico has already secured their place in the knockout rounds and clinched the top spot in the group with victories over South Africa and South Korea. For the Czechs, however, the match is critical as they have earned only one point from their opening two games and require a positive outcome to keep their tournament hopes alive.

Koubek acknowledged the significant challenge posed by the co-hosts, who have not conceded a goal and are expected to play before a large home crowd. Mexico has a perfect World Cup record at the Azteca, with six wins and two draws across the 1970, 1986, and 2026 tournaments. "We know their successes are really fascinating. It's a great success and we really do respect that," Koubek told reporters.

“

However, we need to focus on what we need to do. We have to get the necessary points, otherwise we will drop out of the World Cup.

Despite the daunting statistics, Koubek stressed the importance of his team's focus. "However, we need to focus on what we need to do. We have to get the necessary points, otherwise we will drop out of the World Cup." He added that "miracles do happen and nothing is impossible in football. That's our approach." Captain Ladislav Krejci echoed this sentiment, referencing the team's playoff success against Ireland and Denmark as proof they can succeed against stronger opponents.

“

Miracles do happen and nothing is impossible in football. That's our approach.

Koubek also admitted that the team needs to improve its performance, having surrendered leads in previous matches. "We have to score, that's clear," he stated. "We need to be stronger in the game, stronger in the combinations and have bigger possession of the ball."

“

This is our last chance. The experience from March is very important for us. Back then we proved that we were able to succeed against stronger teams, so we can succeed now against Mexico as well.