Mexico secured its place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with a strong 2-0 win over Ecuador, ending a 40-year wait for a knockout-stage victory.
Playing in front of a jubilant home crowd at Estadio Azteca, the co-hosts delivered one of their best performances of the tournament after the match was delayed an hour due to severe weather.
Julian Quinones led the win, scoring the opening goal and later assisting Raul Jimenez as Mexico advanced to the Round of 16 for the first time since the 1986 World Cup.
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Mexico controlled the match from the start and nearly scored early when Jimenez headed over, while 17-year-old Gilberto Mora, one of the youngest players to start a World Cup knockout match, also came close with a shot just wide.
Ecuador had a brief chance through John Yeboah, whose angled shot hit the outside of the post, but Mexico’s pressure soon paid off.
Quinones received Roberto Alvarado’s pass on the left, drove into the penalty area and scored a powerful goal past Hernan Galindez, sparking celebrations at Estadio Azteca.
Mexico doubled its lead after half an hour when Quinones set up Jimenez, who struck a powerful shot into the top corner.
Ecuador tried to respond in the second half, but Mexico stayed in control. Raul Rangel made a key save to deny Yeboah, while Cesar Montes came close twice to adding another goal.
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Kevin Rodriguez missed Ecuador’s best chance late in the match, and Piero Hincapie was sent off in stoppage time, capping a difficult night for Sebastian Beccacece’s team.
Mexico will now face either England or DR Congo in the Round of 16 as hopes grow for another strong run on home soil.
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