Tijuana Xolos’ young star Gilberto Mora did not receive any playing time in Mexico’s recent game against South Korea. Mexico defeated the Asian side 1-0 and, with that, secured a first-place finish within Group A of the global competition.

Most of Tijuana Xolos’ roster were present at the Estadio Akron in Guadalajara to support Mora. However, the teenager never made it onto the pitch in this vital game.

This came as a huge surprise, as several outlets had reported that Mora was potentially going to be in the starting 11. The 17-year-old received minutes in the World Cup opener against South Africa, but was unable to generate much play in the limited time he was allocated.

With Mexico having already secured the first-place finish, it is now a golden opportunity for Mora to receive some playing time. It is even expected for Xolos’ young talent to possibly start the last game of Mexico’s group stage.

El Tri will host Czechia at the Estadio Azteca in a match with a lot of pride still on the line for the host nation. The Mexico City Stadium will be filled to the brim, and fans will be expecting a positive last group stage game before the knockout phase.

Czechia has been solid defensively and really has some physical prowess within its team. Mora has the potential to have a tough challenge here, but certainly has the skill set to shine in a match like this.

Mora has played out wide and just behind the striker for Club Tijuana, and it will be interesting to see where Manager Javier Aguirre plays him for Mexico. Aguirre has typically deployed Mora in an attacking midfield role where he has the potential to display his impressive playmaking ability.

It will also be interesting to see what other decisions Aguirre makes for this game. A very popular decision would be to start legendary goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa to give him a chance to play in his sixth World Cup.

This has the potential to be Ochoa’s last-ever game with the Mexico national team if he does play in this match.

Mexico will play Czechia this Wednesday, June 24, in a game that can serve as a big confidence boost heading into the knockout stage. Several European teams are likely to scout Mora if he does get playing time in this last group stage game.

Francisco Velasco

Francisco, 28, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego FC, San Diego Wave. I have covered Liga MX, MLS, Mexico National Team, USWNT, Copa América and European clubs like Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund.