Mexico secured a 2-0 victory over Ecuador, advancing to the Round of 16 in the World Cup. The match, held in Mexico City, saw both goals scored in the first 45 minutes, marking the first time in two years that Ecuador conceded two goals in a single game. This win also represents Mexico’s first knockout-round victory in 40 years.
The game experienced an hour-long delay before kickoff due to lightning strikes in the area. Scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. ET at the Estadio Azteca, the delay was announced approximately an hour prior to the planned start. Officials waited for the lightning to clear before setting a new start time, and players conducted warmups before the match officially commenced. Similar weather-related delays have occurred previously in the tournament, including a two-hour halt during the France–Iraq game in Philadelphia due to lightning and heavy rain.
First-Half Dominance and Historic Goals
Mexico’s strong performance began immediately after the opening kickoff, with the team applying pressure on Ecuador. Julián Quiñones opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, burying a shot in the top left corner. This goal was Quiñones’ third of the tournament, a significant achievement given he had only scored twice in 22 prior appearances for Mexico. His performance has placed him on the periphery of the Golden Boot race.
Less than 10 minutes later, Raul Jiménez extended Mexico’s lead. Following an Ecuador turnover in their own half, Jiménez capitalized on an errant pass, linking up with Quiñones before receiving the ball back in the penalty area to score. At 35 years old, Jiménez became the first player in his 30s to score a knockout-round goal for Mexico.
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre praised Quiñones’ dedication, noting the forward’s willingness to sacrifice for the team and his understanding of the game. Quiñones reportedly came off the field with calf tightness after extensive running during the match.
Young Talent and Future Matchup
Mexican midfielder Gilberto Mora, at 17 years old, made history by becoming the youngest player to start a knockout-round game at the World Cup since Pelé in 1958. Mora, who was 17 years and 259 days old, played a pivotal role in the opening minutes of the game, contributing to Mexico’s early dominance.
Ecuador, which had allowed only five goals in 18 World Cup qualifying games in South America, struggled defensively in the first half against Mexico’s offensive pressure. Despite some chances created by John Yeboah for Ecuador in the first half, they were unable to mount a comeback in the second half. Towards the end of the game, Ecuador’s defender Piero Hincapié received an automatic red card.
The victory means Mexico will play one more World Cup game in Mexico City. They are set to face England in the Round of 16 at Estadio Azteca on July 5, unless DR Congo achieves an upset on Wednesday. Mexico has played all four of its games on home soil so far and joins France as the only teams to win all four of their games in the tournament to date.
Coach Aguirre expressed personal satisfaction with the win, stating that giving this joy to his people was the best thing that could happen to him, referencing his past experiences of not reaching the fifth match as both a player and coach.
Source: eu.usatoday.com