Thomas Tuchel has described England's pulsating 3-2 victory over Mexico as a "moment of joy" that "almost felt like we won a final." The Three Lions dumped the co-hosts out of the World Cup in dramatic fashion, setting up a quarter-final clash with Norway and Erling Haaland on Saturday.
Dramatic match details
Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, and Anthony Gordon scored as England overcame altitude and a hostile atmosphere at the Estadio Azteca. However, a 54th-minute red card for Jarell Quansah, a penalty for Mexico, and 11 minutes of stoppage time made for nail-biting viewing. A thunderstorm delayed kick-off, forcing fans back home to stay up past 4am.
Tuchel's emotional reaction
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Tuchel said: "In the buildup, it never felt like a Round of 16, and it still doesn't. It feels almost like we won a final or something. That last moment when the referee takes the whistle to his mouth and you know that you overcame it—40, 50 minutes with 10 men in the altitude against the home country, against a strong Mexican team. It is a moment of joy, and it is a heroic performance and a heroic result in the end."
Tuchel, who succeeded Gareth Southgate in 2024, added: "I'm so happy for the players. It ranks at the very highest level, of course, for me to be part of this, to live this experience the last two days."
Praise for Mexico
The 52-year-old German also had kind words for the defeated hosts: "To be in this country, to see the people on the side of the streets all the way to the stadium was such a special moment. To overcome it against all adversity makes it very special, and it will have a special place for all of us. I almost feel sorry that you're out because I saw the passion and the emotion of all the people on the side of the streets today and yesterday from the bus. But of course, I'm incredibly proud of my team and our achievement to go back into the quarter-finals."
Light-hearted comment on red card controversy
When asked about FIFA's decision to lift USA striker Folarin Balogun's red card after a reported White House phone call, Tuchel joked: "Where does it start and where does this end, is my question. I don't have an answer. Can Harry maybe ask Donald Trump? That's a good starting point."
Upcoming matches
USA face Belgium in the round of 16 at 1am on Tuesday (UK time). Belgium, ranked ninth by FIFA, are expected to be a tough test. Mauricio Pochettino's USA side have scored 10 goals in the tournament so far, including their win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.
