Mexico ended a 40-year wait for a FIFA World Cup knockout victory after defeating Ecuador 2-0 in front of a passionate home crowd at the Estadio Azteca on Tuesday.
The Round of 32 clash was delayed by an hour due to lightning around the stadium, but the interruption did little to slow the hosts. Backed by a vibrant atmosphere, Mexico dominated from the opening whistle and struck twice within nine first-half minutes through Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez.
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The victory marked Mexico’s first triumph in the knockout rounds since beating Bulgaria by the same scoreline at the same venue during the 1986 World Cup. It also snapped a run of seven straight eliminations at the first knockout hurdle.
Mexico’s disciplined display ensured they extended an impressive defensive record, becoming only the fourth team in World Cup history to win their opening four matches without conceding a goal.
Quiñones registered his third goal of the tournament, while Jiménez netted his second to continue climbing Mexico’s all-time scoring charts.
Ecuador, who had impressed by defeating Germany in the group stage, struggled to threaten throughout and finished the match with 10 men after defender Piero Hincapié was sent off in stoppage time.
Mexico will now face either England or DR Congo in the Round of 16 as they chase a long-awaited quarterfinal place.
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