Mexico vs. Ecuador: Hincapié Red Card, VAR Drama in Knockout Clash

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 manage to get a rare spell of control deep in the Mexico half, just taking the sting out of an otherwise relentless start from the hosts. The crowd reacts loudly as La Tri keep the ball for a short period, but it’s been Mexico doing most of the pressing and setting the tempo so far.

Gonzalo Plata does brilliantly down the right, beating his man and creating space before Ecuador surge forward in numbers. John Yeboah takes over the move, driving into the box and unleashing a left-footed snap shot that clips the outside of the near post. Raúl Rangel may have gotten a touch on it, but play continues with no corner given as Ecuador come close to striking back.

Raúl Jiménez gets another sight of goal as the ball is cut back to him on the edge of the box, but he can’t quite connect cleanly on the volley and it skids just wide of the post. Mexico stay on the front foot as we head into FIVE minutes of added time at the end of the first half.

At the other end, Enner Valencia finally gets a sight of goal but can only fire well over from a tight angle, wasting a rare opening for La Tri.

Ecuador nearly get themselves into trouble at the back after a risky pass into their own six-yard box, with Willian Pacho almost dispossessed under pressure. He keeps his composure well though, twisting away from danger before clearing the lines.

Mexico soak up a spell of Ecuador possession before stepping in to win the ball back and slow things down with a well-timed foul and free-kick. In the midst of it, Gilberto Mora is withdrawn after another impressive display from the teenager, who has been lively throughout the night. Brian Gutiérrez comes on in his place as Mexico make a controlled change.

From the set piece, César Montes rises well and powers a header goalward, only for Hernán Galíndez to tip it over the bar. Mexico keep the pressure on from the next corner too, but Montes can’t keep his second effort on target as it drifts past the post.

Raúl Jiménez spots the run of Julián Quiñones with a clever flicked pass, but Ecuador manage to block the cross behind for a corner.

Mexico also shuffle things, with Orbelín Pineda coming on for Julián Quiñones, who gets a warm reception after his earlier thunderous opener.

Ecuador make their final changes, with Kendry Páez and Jordy Caicedo introduced as they look for a late spark. John Yeboah and Nelson Angulo are the players to make way.

Ecuador’s hopes are slipping away. We’ve got seven minutes added on.

Mexico nearly kill it on the counter as Santiago Giménez drives forward and slips Orbelín Pineda through, but Moisés Caicedo recovers brilliantly to nick the ball away inside the box with a vital challenge.

A really poor moment from him, especially with how similar incidents have been treated in this tournament.

VAR steps in, the referee checks the monitor, and Hincapié is shown a straight red card.

Things boil over off the ball between Piero Hincapié and Santiago Giménez, with Hincapié seen covering his own mouth during a heated exchange. Paez is also booked moments earlier for a frustrated swipe in midfield.

Ecuador are throwing everything at it in the closing stages, but they just can’t find a way through the green wall in front of them. Whether it’s direct balls, wide play, long throws or set-pieces, nothing is really breaking Mexico down. Ecuador have looked short of cutting edge for a while now, while Mexico’s defensive shape is making life very difficult.