Mexico produced an impressive performance to defeat Ecuador 2-0 at the Azteca Stadium on Tuesday, ending a 40-year wait for a FIFA World Cup knockout victory and booking their place in the last 16.
The round-of-32 tie was delayed by an hour because of stormy weather, but the interruption did little to disrupt the hosts.
Mexico dominated from the opening whistle, with Julian Quinones scoring the first goal before setting up Raul Jimenez to seal a comfortable victory.
It was Mexico’s first win in the knockout stage of a World Cup since they hosted the tournament in 1986. The result also extended their unbeaten run at the Azteca to 10 World Cup matches and maintained the strong form that saw them win all three group-stage fixtures without conceding a goal.
Mexico will now face either England or the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday for a place in the quarter-finals.
The hosts made a fast start and almost took the lead inside seven minutes when Jimenez headed over from close range.
Seventeen-year-old Gilberto Mora, making history as the second-youngest player to start a World Cup knockout match after Pele in 1958, also came close with an effort that drifted narrowly wide.
Ecuador briefly threatened through John Yeboah, whose powerful run into the penalty area ended with a shot that struck the outside of the near post.
Mexico’s pressure was rewarded in the 22nd minute. Roberto Alvarado released Quinones down the left, and the forward drove into the box before firing a powerful shot beyond goalkeeper Hernan Galindez to give the home side a deserved lead.
The opening goal lifted an already vibrant atmosphere inside the Azteca, and Mexico continued to control the match after the first cooling break.
Their second goal arrived eight minutes later when Quinones turned provider. The forward picked out Jimenez with a precise pass, allowing the Fulham striker to send an emphatic finish into the top corner.
Ecuador improved towards the end of the first half, with Raul Rangel producing an excellent save to deny another effort from Yeboah, but clear chances remained limited for the South American side.
Head coach Sebastian Beccacece made several changes after the interval in an attempt to spark a comeback, yet Mexico remained composed and continued to create the better opportunities.
Defender Cesar Montes went close twice to adding a third goal, while substitute Kevin Rodriguez narrowly missed the target with one of Ecuador’s few chances late in the match.
The visitors’ difficult evening ended on a disappointing note in stoppage time when defender Piero Hincapie was shown a red card following a confrontation with a Mexico player.
Mexico will hope home advantage continues to serve them well when they return to the Azteca for their last-16 tie on Sunday.
From the quarter-finals onwards, the remainder of the World Cup will be played in the United States.
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