Mexico ended a 40-year wait for a FIFA World Cup knockout victory after defeating Ecuador 2-0 at the iconic Azteca Stadium on Tuesday to secure a place in the round of 16.
The round-of-32 encounter was delayed by an hour because of stormy weather, but the hosts wasted little time asserting themselves once play got underway, launching relentless attacks from the opening whistle.
Backed by a passionate home crowd, Mexico deservedly took the lead midway through the first half through Julian Quinones, whose powerful strike broke the deadlock before he later set up Raul Jimenez for the second goal.
Ecuador needed a strong response after the interval but struggled to gain any real momentum, with Mexico maintaining control for much of the second half.
The victory marked Mexico’s first World Cup knockout win since 1986, the last time the country staged the tournament.
The result also extended Mexico’s unbeaten run at the Azteca Stadium to 10 World Cup matches, setting up a last-16 clash against either England or the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mexico advanced to the knockout stage after winning all three of their group matches without conceding a goal, joining France and Argentina as the only teams to achieve that feat.
Ecuador, by contrast, finished third in their group after managing just two goals during the group stage.
Seventeen-year-old Gilberto Mora was included in Mexico’s starting line-up, becoming the second-youngest player to start a World Cup knockout match after Pele in 1958.
Mexico dominated the early exchanges and prevented Ecuador from settling into the contest.
Jimenez squandered an excellent headed opportunity in the seventh minute, while Mora also came close with an effort that drifted narrowly wide.
Ecuador threatened briefly when John Yeboah powered into the penalty area and struck the outside of the near post during one of the visitors’ few first-half attacks.
Mexico finally made their pressure count in the 22nd minute as Saudi Arabia-based Quinones collected a pass from Roberto Alvarado, surged down the left flank, cut into the penalty area and fired an unstoppable shot beyond goalkeeper Hernan Galindez.
The first cooling break did little to alter the pattern of play, and Mexico doubled their advantage after 30 minutes when Quinones found Fulham forward Jimenez, who blasted a powerful finish into the top corner.
Raul Rangel later produced an impressive save to deny another effort from Yeboah as Ecuador briefly improved, although Mexico continued to create the better scoring opportunities.
Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece introduced several changes after halftime in a bid to revive his side’s fortunes.
Despite easing off the tempo, Mexico still looked the more dangerous side, with Cesar Montes coming close on two occasions.
Substitute Kevin Rodriguez narrowly missed the target with just over 15 minutes remaining, but Ecuador failed to mount a meaningful comeback.
The visitors’ disappointing evening ended on a sour note when Piero Hincapie was sent off in stoppage time after covering his mouth during a confrontation with an opposing player.
Mexico will now look to make the most of home advantage once again when they return to the Azteca Stadium for Sunday’s round-of-16 fixture. The historic venue previously hosted the World Cup finals in 1970 and 1986.
From the quarter-finals onward, all remaining matches in the tournament will be played in the United States.
