Mexico secured its place in the Round of 16 of the World Cup after a 2-0 win against Ecuador. The match, held in Mexico City, saw both of Mexico’s goals scored in the first 45 minutes, marking the first time in two years that Ecuador allowed two goals in a single game.
The game experienced a delay of approximately one hour due to lightning strikes in the area. Kickoff, originally scheduled for 7 p.m. local time at the Estadio Azteca, was pushed back as officials waited for safe conditions. FIFA confirmed that safety protocols established by local authorities were being followed, and the match would commence once it was safe.
First-Half Dominance and Key Goals
Mexico’s strong start was evident from the opening kickoff, as the team immediately applied pressure on Ecuador. Julián Quiñones scored the first goal in the 22nd minute, placing a shot in the top left corner. This marked Quiñones’ third goal of the tournament.
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. Jiménez, at 35 years old, became the first player in his 30s to score a knockout-round goal for Mexico.
Mexican midfielder Gilberto Mora, 17, also made an impact, becoming the youngest player to start a knockout-round game at the World Cup since Pelé in the 1958 World Cup. Mexico’s coach, Javier Aguirre, praised Quiñones for his willingness to sacrifice for the team, noting that the forward came off with calf tightness after extensive running.
Match Delays and Historical Significance
The delay in Mexico City was not the first in the tournament, as the France-Iraq game in Philadelphia also experienced a two-hour delay during halftime due to lightning and heavy rain. During the delay in Mexico City, fans remained in their seats.
The victory holds particular significance for Mexico, as it marks the first time in 40 years that the country has won a knockout-round game. Coach Aguirre expressed personal satisfaction with the win, stating that giving this joy to his people was a significant achievement, referencing past World Cup exits as both a player and coach.
Ecuador, which had allowed only five goals across 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, the team was 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.
Looking Ahead to the Round of 16
Mexico’s win means they will play one more World Cup game in Mexico City. The team will 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.
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Source: eu.usatoday.com
