Mexico march into World Cup last 16 with dominant win over Ecuador

Mexico booked their place in the World Cup last 16 in convincing fashion after defeating Ecuador in a weather-disrupted match at the Azteca Stadium.

An hour delay to kick-off caused

by a thunderstorm in Mexico City did little to affect the hosts, who came flying out of the blocks once play finally began. First-half goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez gave Mexico full control before they calmly managed the game after the interval to secure victory.

Javier Aguirre’s side will now remain in Mexico City for their round-of-16 clash on Sunday evening, where they will face either England or DR Congo.

Backed by a passionate home crowd, Mexico imposed themselves immediately and created four chances within the opening 10 minutes. Although Ecuador briefly threatened when John Yeboah struck the woodwork, they struggled to match the pace, energy and intensity of the hosts.

It was one of Mexico’s most aggressive attacking starts at a World Cup since 1966, and the breakthrough soon followed.

Quinones, born in Colombia but representing Mexico, burst down the left flank, cut inside and unleashed a clinical finish into the roof of the net beyond goalkeeper Hernan Galindez. It marked his third goal of the tournament.

The winger then turned provider shortly afterwards. A costly mistake by Ecuador defender Joel Ordonez near his own penalty area allowed Quinones to set up Jimenez, who produced a superb finish into the top corner to double Mexico’s advantage.

Ecuador improved after the restart and enjoyed more possession, but they failed to seriously trouble the Mexican defence. Gonzalo Plata came closest when his effort drifted narrowly wide.

Their frustrating evening ended in disappointing fashion during stoppage time when Piero Hincapie received a red card for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent — becoming only the second player to be dismissed for that offence at this tournament after Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron.

Mexico’s Azteca advantage continues

Mexico’s perfect start to the tournament remains intact. Four matches, four victories, eight goals scored and none conceded underline their impressive form.

Despite entering the competition with a poor record of progressing beyond the first knockout round, playing at the Azteca appears to have transformed their prospects.

The stadium has long been a fortress for Mexico. Across 89 competitive matches there, they have recorded 70 wins and suffered just two defeats.

Their World Cup history at the venue is equally impressive. In 1970, Mexico completed the group stage at the stadium without conceding before eventually exiting elsewhere. A similar pattern followed in 1986, meaning they remain unbeaten in all 10 World Cup matches played at the iconic ground.

For England or DR Congo, the challenge ahead is already clear.

With more than 80,000 supporters creating a wall of noise and colour long before kick-off, Mexico fed off the atmosphere and overwhelmed Ecuador from the opening whistle.

Adding to that advantage is the Azteca’s altitude of more than 2,000 metres above sea level — conditions familiar to Mexico but potentially difficult for visiting teams to handle.