Mexico made the iconic Estadio Azteca roar once again as they extended their unbeaten FIFA World Cup run at the venue to 10 matches with an impressive 2-0 victory over Ecuador in the round of 32, representing their first knockout win since beating Bulgaria in the last 16 in 1986.
An hour-long storm delay only added to the anticipation for a fervent Mexican crowd who created a cauldron of noise to provide the fitting backdrop to Mexico’s relentless first-half performance, which yielded numerous chances and two deserved goals. Gilberto Mora threatened twice, and Raúl Jiménez headed wide as Javier Aguirre’s side flew out of the blocks, shortly before John Yeboah’s toepoke struck the near post in one of the rare moments where Ecuador relieved Mexico’s incessant pressure in an exhilarating first period.
The majority of those in attendance celebrated wildly when Julián Quiñones netted an emphatic 22nd-minute opener, running in behind on the left channel before cutting inside to rifle a fierce effort in at the near post, registering his third goal of the tournament.
The decibel levels increased even further when Jiménez doubled Mexico’s lead just past the half-hour mark. The veteran forward won the ball back high up the pitch, neatly exchanged possession with Quiñones and then applied the finish with a sliced strike that swerved away from the helpless Hernán Galíndez. With a mountain to climb, Ecuador boss Sebastián Beccacece made a double change at the break and then sent on Kevin Rodríguez before the hour mark in a bid to spark a comeback. However, their task was made tougher by Mexico’s decision to adopt a conservative approach in the second period, frustrating La Tri while still threatening to add to their lead just before the hydration break. César Montes’ powerful header drew a smart stop from Galíndez, before Johan Vásquez nodded wide from the subsequent corner.
Unable to find a way back into the contest, Ecuador’s miserable night was compounded when Piero Hincapié was sent off for covering his mouth in a confrontational manner. Mexico, meanwhile, celebrated a memorable victory and a fourth consecutive clean sheet of the tournament, as they now look forward to a last-16 tie against England or DR Congo.
