The name 'Guillermo' means strong-willed warrior in Spanish and is among the most names in Latin America. But one name, 'Guillermo Ochoa' rings throughout Mexico, especially when the FIFA World Cup is around the corner. This time is no different, and their head coach Gerardo Martino put his faith in the veteran goalkeeper, who at 37, is playing his third World Cup for Mexico.
In the North American nation's opening match of the competition against Poland, Ochoa's penalty save in the 58th minute was reminiscent of the shot-stopper's exceptional performances on the biggest stage of football.
It was an important one as well, denying the mighty Robert Lewandowski his first goal at the World Cup, keeping a clean sheet as well, and more importantly, making sure his team went home with a well-earned draw.
Ochoa has not played for any of the big clubs in Europe, unlike American goalkeeping compatriots Claudio Bravo (Barcelona, Manchester City) from Chile, or Keylor Navas (Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain) from Costa Rica. But his breakthrough came with local Mexican side Club America.
His performances earned him selections for the 2006 and 2010 World Cups but failed to make a single appearance. Finally breaking into the starting XI in 2014, the world saw what Ochoa could do.
Then aged 29, Ochoa took over the goalkeeping reins from Oscar Perez. The team started with a clean sheet in a 1-0 victory over Cameroon in the opening match. The African nation only had one shot on target but Ochoa made a comfortable save. But then came their biggest challenge — against hosts and title contenders Brazil.
That match made Ochoa famous. He made six brilliant saves, including a blinder to deny a Neymar header, holding Brazil to a goalless draw.
Then in their final group match, Ochoa saved three shots on target against Croatia to finish second in their group. But they were unfortunately eliminated in the Round of 16 stage match against the Netherlands. The Dutchmen won 2-1 thanks to a late penalty.
He was linked to many top clubs after this World Cup but ended up and La Liga team Malaga, but his club career was not as garish as his international career. A steady run with Belgium club Standard Liege earned him a return for the 2018 World Cup, where he was the best player for Mexico, contributing to the elimination of defending champions Germany, beating them 1-0.
In that match, he made nine saves and finished the tournament with 25 saves in four games. despite Mexico being eliminated in the Round of 16. In the whole tournament, only Belgium's Thibaut Courtois had more saves — 27 in seven games.
“I seek to give peace of mind every day to my teammates. We are in a World Cup and it is normal that the nerves are triggered. I seek to help others and to have an emotional balance before, in the game and after,” Ochoa had said before the match.
And what a way to give his teammates the peace of mind they needed — by denying arguably the best striker in the history of the sport.
Mexico have two more matches in Group C, next against Argentina, and their final match against Saudi Arabia. Playing in what might be his final FIFA World Cup, these goals will surely take a backseat. But for the fans and his teammates, the moments of madness produced by their goalkeeper are what make him a pinnacle of the team, and a spectacle at the mega event.
