Mexico manager Javier Aguirre declined to say whether 40-year-old goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa would start in Wednesday’s group finale against Czechia in Mexico City.

He also rejected the idea that any decision would be made out of sentimentality.

“I have always said since I returned that whoever is here, is here on their own merit,” Aguirre said at Tuesday’s pre-match press conference.

ESPN had reported that Ochoa would be given the start in the match, which is meaningless in the standings for a Mexico side that has already secured the top spot in Group A.

Ochoa made history by being included on his sixth World Cup roster but has yet to play with Raul Rangel starting in Mexico’s wins against South Africa and South Korea. If he plays, Ochoa would be appearing in his fourth World Cup.

Ochoa is third on Mexico’s all-time appearances list with 153 caps, by far the most among El Tri goalkeepers. He has also announced that he will retire from football following the World Cup.

–Ian Nicholas Quillen, Field Level Media