Mexico City, Mexico: Mexico ended a 40-year wait for a FIFA World Cup knockout-stage victory after first-half goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez secured a deserved 2-0 win over Ecuador on Tuesday, sending the co-hosts into the Round of 16.
The victory marked Mexico’s first World Cup knockout triumph since defeating Bulgaria during the 1986 tournament on home soil and earned Javier Aguirre’s side a last-16 clash against either England or the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The match will also be the final World Cup fixture to be played at the iconic Azteca Stadium during the 2026 tournament.
“A really good first half and in the second half we managed to stay calm behind the ball,” said Mexico coach Javier Aguirre.
“Judging by the atmosphere and how happy everyone is, I’m convinced there’s a real bond between the fans and the team.”
Kick-off was delayed by an hour due to thunderstorms, but more than 80,000 supporters packed the Azteca Stadium, creating a vibrant atmosphere as Mexico dominated the opening exchanges.
Raul Jimenez came close to opening the scoring early after meeting Luis Romo’s inviting cross with a glancing header that drifted narrowly wide.
Teenage midfielder Gilberto Mora also threatened with a spectacular effort from a tight angle that flashed just beyond Hernan Galindez’s far post.
Ecuador nearly silenced the home crowd when Gonzalo Plata led a swift counterattack before John Yeboah skipped past his marker and struck the outside of the post with a low angled effort.
Mexico finally broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute. Roberto Alvarado threaded a perfectly weighted pass through Ecuador’s defence to Julian Quinones, who shrugged off Willian Pacho before smashing an unstoppable finish into the top corner for his third goal of the tournament.
The hosts doubled their advantage nine minutes later after Ecuador surrendered possession near their own penalty area. Jimenez initiated the move, exchanged passes with Quinones and fired a first-time effort into the top corner for his 47th international goal, moving within five strikes of Javier Hernandez’s all-time Mexico scoring record.
Buoyed by the two-goal lead, Mexico controlled proceedings with confidence and intensity as Ecuador struggled to create meaningful opportunities.
The South Americans almost reduced the deficit before half-time when Yeboah curled a powerful effort toward goal, but goalkeeper Raul Rangel produced an excellent diving save to preserve Mexico’s clean sheet.
Mexico comfortably held onto their advantage to seal a memorable victory and advance to the Round of 16, where they will continue their home World Cup campaign in front of their passionate supporters.
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