Unstoppable Momentum for Mexico's U-17 Women's Team
The Mexican U-17 Women's National Team, under the adept leadership of coach Miguel Gamero, has made headlines by clinching the top position in their group with a flawless record of victories. The decisive moment came in the 80th minute when Citlalli Hernández delivered a precise pass to Kimberly García, who had just entered the game. García unleashed a powerful left-footed shot that found the back of the net, securing a 2-0 victory over host nation Costa Rica. This win not only guaranteed their passage to the World Cup in Morocco 2026 but also alleviated any last-minute anxiety that could have crept in.
As the players of the national team arrived at the High-Performance Center (CAR) to prepare for their upcoming match against Portugal, excitement filled the air. Raúl Jiménez made his way to the CAR to rest and kick off the week with the team, also known as 'El Tri.' Notably, this FIFA date sees six players, both naturalized and Mexican-Americans, who have previously represented other countries, joining the squad.
The Mexican Women's National Team has demonstrated exceptional form during the Concacaf qualifiers, aiming for yet another victory as they pursue a perfect record. Meanwhile, Guillermo Ochoa has found himself in the unusual position of starting only once in the last 30 matches for the Mexican national team. The atmosphere surrounding the team is electrifying, especially with the recent news that Portugal decided not to call Cristiano Ronaldo for their match against Mexico, a decision that, according to experts, may lead to discontent among fans regarding contractual expectations.
Despite the challenges, including the significant drop in ticket prices for the upcoming World Cup—down by more than 70% from an initial 145,000 pesos to 40,000 pesos—Mexico's focus remains sharp as they prepare to face Belgium, their second opponent during this FIFA date, which features several notable players in their lineup.
Historic Victory Secures World Cup Qualification
The match against Costa Rica, while not a final, felt monumental due to the stakes involved: a coveted spot in the 2026 World Cup in Morocco. The Mexican U-17 Women's Team took to the field with a clear objective and, despite the intense pressure from the local team, managed to secure a 2-0 victory, thereby ensuring one of the available slots from the Concacaf qualifiers. The team had already achieved significant wins against Jamaica and Panama, paving their path to success, yet Gamero's squad was well aware of the need to remain vigilant against the tenacious Costa Rican side.
Initially, the game began with palpable tension as Costa Rica quickly recognized that their best chance lay in applying pressure and forcing mistakes. Their goalkeeper, Ania López, was instrumental in keeping the score level, making critical saves, particularly at the 23rd minute when a potential goal from Costa Rica was thwarted. It took some time for Mexico to find their rhythm, but once they did, their superiority began to shine through. A near-miss from Natalia Pérez, who hit the crossbar in the 39th minute, served as a precursor to the breakthrough that came just three minutes later when Citlalli Reyes scored in the 42nd minute, giving Mexico a 1-0 lead and opening the door to Morocco.
The second half saw Mexico expertly control the ball while managing their emotions under pressure. Costa Rica pushed forward in search of an equalizer, showing more determination than clarity in their play. Mexico held firm, with López again stepping up when needed, as the clock ticked down. The final minutes of the match were a showcase of strategic management, with Mexico even having opportunities to extend their lead to three goals. The final whistle confirmed what had been built since the beginning of the tournament: qualifying for the World Cup was a non-negotiable goal.
Under Gamero's guidance, the team finished first in Group C, achieving a perfect record. A new generation now stands on the brink of making history in Morocco, with the tournament scheduled to take place from October 17 to November 7, featuring 24 participating teams.
As reported by oem.com.mx.
