MIAMI, Florida – For Mexico DF Luis Rodriguez, it was like seeing the same movie all over again.
Nearly two years after watching teammate and GK Guillermo Ochoa make the winning save in a 5-4 penalty shootout win over Costa Rica in the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinals, Rodriguez witnessed the exact same thing on Thursday in the 2021 Concacaf Nations League semifinals, with Ochoa making a save to seal a 5-4 penalty shootout win over the Ticos to book Mexico’s place in Sunday’s Final against the United States.
Speaking postgame exclusively with Concacaf.com, Rodriguez could only smile and shake his head in wonder at how Ochoa always seems to deliver in the big moments.
“When we have Memo in goal, we always feel like we are in good hands. We know that in football anything can happen, and that we knew it was going to be a close game and that’s what happened. Thankfully, we got the win,” said Rodriguez in an exclusive postgame interview with Concacaf.com
The heroics displayed by Ochoa were nothing new for Mexico FW Alan Pulido, who has witnessed many a top performance from the legendary shot-stopper.
“Memo gives us such great security to the team because he is such a great goalkeeper. He has shown that for so long in the national team and he’s always at a great level. Any time he comes to play for Mexico, he does it so well and we feel backed by that. We’re happy that once again against Costa Rica we were able to advance because he saved a penalty,” said Pulido to Concacaf.com following the match.
Ochoa’s clutch play in goal now sets up a date with the U.S. in the Final. With Ochoa in top form and Mexico hungry to add another trophy to their collection, Rodriguez sees Mexico raising the trophy on Sunday night.
“Yes, no doubt. We’re going to do everything possible to bring that cup to Mexico,” said Rodriguez.
