Gilberto Mora is set to make history the moment he takes the field for Mexico in Tuesday’s round of 32 clash with Ecuador at Mexico City Stadium.
At 17, Mora will become the second-youngest player ever to start a World Cup knockout-stage match, trailing only Brazilian icon Pelé. Pelé remains the record holder after starting at 17 years and 239 days old, while Mora will be 17 years and 259 days.
Mora has already featured twice for Mexico during the tournament, entering as a substitute in El Tri’s group-stage opener before earning a start in the final group match. He has also become the youngest player to both start and come off the bench for Mexico in a World Cup game.
Mexico swept all three of its group-stage fixtures to move into the round of 32 as Group A champion. El Tri also became just the sixth team in World Cup history to win every group match without allowing a goal, and the first host nation to do it since Italy in 1990.
Mexico now has its sights set on reaching the round of 16 and moving closer to matching its best World Cup finishes. The national team made the quarterfinals on home soil in both 1970 and 1986.
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