MEXICO CITY: Mexico ended a 40-year wait for a FIFA World Cup knockout-stage victory with a 2-0 win over Ecuador on Tuesday, securing a place in the Round of 16 as co-hosts continued their tournament campaign.
First-half goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez sealed the victory before more than 80,000 fans at Estadio Azteca.
How did Mexico secure victory?
Kick-off was delayed by an hour because of thunderstorms, but Mexico made a strong start once play began.
Quiñones opened the scoring in the 22nd minute after collecting a through ball from Roberto Alvarado before beating defender Willian Pacho and firing into the top corner.
Jiménez doubled the lead nine minutes later, finishing a move he initiated with Quiñones to score his 47th international goal.
How did Ecuador respond?
Ecuador created several opportunities, with John Yeboah striking the outside of the post in the first half and later forcing goalkeeper Raúl Rangel into a diving save.
After the break, Ecuador controlled more possession but struggled to break down Mexico’s defence, which has yet to concede a goal in the tournament.
Late in the match, Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié was sent off after receiving a red card during an altercation with Santiago Giménez.
Who will Mexico face next?
The victory marked Mexico’s first knockout-stage win at a World Cup since defeating Bulgaria in 1986, when the country also hosted the tournament.
Mexico will now face either England or Democratic Republic of the Congo in the Round of 16, with the match set to be played at Estadio Azteca, the venue’s final fixture of the tournament.