Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0, winning in the knockout rounds for the first time in 36 years

R. Jimenez. (AFP)

Mexico was in the round of 32 today. Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored in the first half, helping the team defeat Ecuador 2:0 and advance to the top 16. This was their first knockout win since 1986.

The battle between Mexico and Ecuador was delayed by one hour due to poor local weather. Mexico won all 3 games in the group stage to advance. Ecuador defeated Germany in the group stage, recording 1 win, 1 draw and 1 loss to advance to the top 16 with third place in the group. In the past meetings between the two sides, Mexico has a 17-4 advantage. The two teams only met once in the 2002 World Cup, when Mexico won 2:1.

Mexico attacked frequently in the first half today. In the 22nd minute, Quiñones broke through from the left and scored, helping Mexico take a 1:0 lead.

Then in the 31st minute, he almost dropped the ball, but R. Jimenez stepped forward and seized the opportunity to attack in the middle, giving the team another victory and a 2:0 lead. It is worth mentioning that at 35 years and 56 days old, Jimenez became the oldest player in the history of the Mexican team to score in the knockout stage.

Ecuador had a better ball possession rate of 48% in the first half today, but only had 3 shots and 1 shot on target. Although Mexico's ball possession rate was not as good as its opponent, it had 10 shots and 2 shots on target in the first half, which was quite efficient.

Ecuador, who was lagging behind, came close to the goal many times in the second half, but always missed the goal. The two sides also clashed in stoppage time. Piero Hincapié of Ecuador received a red card for covering his mouth while speaking. This was also the second red card for covering his mouth in this World Cup. With one less player, Ecuador was unable to fight back and had no chance to write another surprise.

Mexico's best results in the knockout rounds of the World Cup were the top eight in 1970 and 1986. After that, they had no winning record in the knockout rounds. Although they qualified from the group stage, they fell in the top 16. Today's victory was their first win in the knockout rounds since 1986.

Mexico. (European News Agency)