Mexico and Ecuador Kick Off Knockout Stage at Estadio Azteca After Weather Delay

We are underway at the Estadio Azteca after a long weather delay, with both Mexico and Ecuador finally getting their knockout campaign started. It’s a cautious opening from both sides in front of a tense crowd, with neither team taking early risks as they settle into the rhythm of this high-stakes Round of 32 clash.

Ecuador have named their starting XI for the Round of 32 clash against Mexico, sticking with the core group that helped them reach the knockout stage.

Ecuador Starting XI:

Goalkeeper:

Hernán Galíndez

Defenders:

Alan Franco

Joel Ordóñez

Willian Pacho

Piero Hincapié

Midfielders:

Moisés Caicedo (C)

Pedro Vite

John Yeboah

Nilson Angulo

Forwards:

Gonzalo Plata

Enner Valencia

Ecuador keep faith in their settled core, with Caicedo captaining the side from midfield and Valencia leading the line as their main attacking threat. Manager Sebastián Beccacece sticks with the group that delivered a crucial win over Germany to seal their place in the Round of 32.

Mexico have named a strong lineup for their Round of 32 clash against Ecuador, with Javier Aguirre bringing back several key starters for the knockout stage.

Mexico Starting XI:

Goalkeeper:

Raúl Rangel

Defenders:

Jorge Sánchez

César Montes (C)

Johan Vásquez

Jesús Gallardo

Midfielders:

Erik Lira

Luis Romo

Gilberto Mora

Forwards:

Roberto Alvarado

Raúl Jiménez

Julián Quiñones

Jiménez returns to lead the attack after being rested in the group stage, while Erik Lira is also reinstated in midfield. César Montes captains the side in place of Edson Álvarez, who drops to the bench, as Mexico go into this knockout match with a more experienced core.