Mexico beat Ecuador to reach World Cup last 16 and end 40-year knockout drought
Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 at the Azteca Stadium on Tuesday, securing their first World Cup knockout win since 1986, thanks to goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez.
Mexico delivered a dominant performance at the iconic Azteca Stadium on Tuesday, brushing aside Ecuador 2-0 to secure their first World Cup knockout victory in 40 years. The round-32 match was delayed by an hour due to a storm, but once underway, the co-hosts seized control immediately.
Julián Quiñones opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a powerful strike after a solo run, then turned provider for Raúl Jiménez, who doubled the lead with a rocket into the top corner. Ecuador struggled to regain momentum after halftime, despite several tactical changes by coach Sebastián Beccacece. Mexico goalkeeper Raúl Rangel made key saves, while Ecuador's Kevin Rodríguez missed a late chance.
Mexico, who won all three group matches without conceding a goal, have now gone 10 World Cup games unbeaten at the Azteca. They will face England or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the round of 16 on Sunday. All matches from the quarterfinals onward will be played in the United States.
Seventeen-year-old Gilberto Mora started for Mexico, becoming the second-youngest player to start a World Cup knockout match after Pelé in 1958. Ecuador's Piero Hincapié was sent off in stoppage time for covering his mouth during a confrontation.
