Czechia faces do-or-die World Cup game vs Mexico at the Azteca

MEXICO CITY– In order to advance to the World Cup knockout stage, Czechia has to do something that a country has only managed twice in history: beating Mexico in a competitive match in Estadio Azteca.

With a win on Wednesday, Czechia will either finish second or third in Group A, depending on the result of South Korea vs South Africa, which kicks off at the same time. A loss would kill Czechia’s hopes of advancing, making the game a true do-or-die scenario.

“This is definitely the most important match in my career,” Czechia captain Ladislav Krejčí said. “And this is not only about my career. It's the same for the whole team. We are very much aware of what we are playing for.“

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Mexico faces considerably less pressure, having already won Group A after victories over South Africa and South Korea. For the Czechs, this isn't the first time this year they've been in a must-win situation.

After placing second in Group L during the UEFA qualifiers for the World Cup, Czechia made it to the playoffs and had to win two games to make it to the World Cup.

Czechia qualified in dramatic fashion, winning a pair of penalty shootouts over the Republic of Ireland and Denmark to advance to the team's first World Cup since 2006.

“Back then, we proved we were able to succeed against stronger teams such as Denmark, so we can succeed now against Mexico as well,” Czech manager Miroslav Koubek said.

Koubeck took over as manager before the playoffs after Czechia suffered a 2-1 loss to the Faroe Islands in the group stage of qualifying. The loss was a massive upset, and the previous manager, Ivan Hašek, was fired shortly after. Koubek, who has over 40 years of experience coaching within Czechia, was brought in as a stabilizer.

While Koubeck’s squad pulled off the big wins to qualify, both were played on home soil in Prague. The final group game is not only in Mexico, but at the daunting Estadio Azteca.

Since its opening in 1966, Mexico has lost only two competitive games in the Azteca: a 2-1 loss to Costa Rica in 2001 during World Cup qualifying, and a 2-1 loss to Honduras in 2013 during World Cup qualifying.

The thunderous cheers of El Tri’s loyal fans are known to echo off the walls during a game.

“Estadio Azteca is our fortress,” Mexico manager Javier Aguirre said.

Koubek said Czechia is very aware of the environment of the Azteca, but he and the team are more focused on what they need to do to win and keep their World Cup future afloat.

“Miracles do happen, and nothing is impossible in football.” Koubek said.

Tatum Esparza is a student in the University of Georgia's Carmical Sports Media Institute.

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