Mexico ended a 40-year World Cup knockout stage drought with a commanding 2-0 victory over Ecuador at the iconic Azteca Stadium on Tuesday. The co-hosts, who had not won a knockout match since the 1986 tournament they also hosted, secured their place in the round of 16 thanks to goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez.
Stormy Start and Early Dominance
The round-of-32 match was delayed for an hour due to stormy weather, but once underway, Mexico seized control immediately. The home side mounted relentless attacks, with Raul Jimenez wasting a glorious headed chance in the seventh minute and 17-year-old Gilberto Mora flashing a shot just wide. At the other end, Ecuador's John Yeboah muscled into the penalty area and clipped the outside of a post in a rare foray forward.
Mexico took the lead in the 22nd minute when Saudi-based Julian Quinones received a pass from Roberto Alvarado, tore down the left flank, drove into the box, and unleashed an unstoppable shot past goalkeeper Hernan Galindez. The goal electrified the supercharged atmosphere at the Azteca.
Quinones Turns Provider for Jimenez
The first hydration break did not change the script. Mexico doubled their lead after half an hour when Quinones turned provider, feeding Fulham striker Raul Jimenez, who fired into the top corner. Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece made several changes after the break to try to find a way back into the match, but Mexico remained the more threatening team, with Cesar Montes twice going close.
Ecuador's misery was compounded when Piero Hincapie was sent off in stoppage time after covering his mouth during a confrontation with an opposition player.
Coach Aguirre Celebrates Historic Win
Head coach Javier Aguirre, taking charge of Mexico at a World Cup for the third time over three spells, said he needed a Scotch to celebrate ending decades of heartache. “I am one of those that I was never able to play the fifth match,” he said. “It happened to me in South Korea and it happened to me in South Africa (when he was previously in charge). So you have a good group stage and then you get stuck and you cannot move forward… but today there was a huge communion with the people.”
The 67-year-old said the Mexican team was a “true family”. “I can tell you that this team deserves what is happening. This big connection with the fans and playing the World Cup. Today we stand within the top-16 rank and we have been together for a long time and we still like each other. We are very happy. We are highly focused and we are a true family.”
Azteca Factor and Record Unbeaten Run
Tuesday's win means Mexico are now unbeaten in 10 World Cup games at the Azteca. They will face either England or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the round of 16 on Sunday. Mexico were one of only three teams in the group phase to win all three matches, alongside France and Argentina, and did not concede a single goal.
Gilberto Mora, 17, was named in the starting line-up, becoming the second-youngest player to start a knockout match at the World Cup finals, behind only Pele in 1958. Mexico will hope the Azteca, which hosted the World Cup final in 1970 and 1986, works its magic again in the last 16. From the quarter-finals onwards, all matches will take place in the United States.
