Mexico ended a 40-year wait for a FIFA World Cup knockout victory after defeating Ecuador 2-0 on Tuesday to book their place in the last 16, where the tournament co-hosts will face England on the 5th of July in Azteca Stadium following the Three Lions’ win over DR Congo.
First-half goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez sealed the victory in front of more than 80,000 fans at the Azteca Stadium, handing Mexico their first World Cup knockout-stage win since overcoming Bulgaria on home soil at the 1986 tournament.
Kick-off was delayed by an hour because of thunderstorms, but the weather failed to dampen the atmosphere as supporters packed the stadium well before the opening whistle.
Mexico nearly opened the scoring early when Jimenez headed Luis Romo’s cross narrowly wide before teenager Gilberto Mora came close with a powerful effort that drifted just past the far post.
Ecuador almost silenced the home crowd against the run of play when Gonzalo Plata led a counter-attack that ended with John Yeboah striking the outside of the post.
The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute when Roberto Alvarado threaded a pass through Ecuador’s defence for Quinones, who held off Willian Pacho before firing a powerful finish into the top corner for his third goal of the tournament.
Mexico doubled their lead nine minutes later after Ecuador lost possession near their own penalty area. Jimenez combined with Quinones before smashing a first-time effort into the top corner for his 47th international goal, moving within five of Javier Hernández’s national team scoring record.
The hosts dominated the remainder of the first half, creating further chances while Ecuador struggled to cope with Mexico’s attacking intensity. Yeboah came closest to reducing the deficit before the break, but goalkeeper Raul Rangel produced an excellent diving save to preserve Mexico’s two-goal advantage.
After the match, Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre praised both his players and the home support.
“A really good first half and in the second half we managed to stay calm behind the ball. Judging by the atmosphere and how happy everyone is, I’m convinced there’s a real bond between the fans and the team,” Aguirre said.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
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