Mexico Beats Ecuador 2-0 to Reach World Cup Last 16
Quick Look
- Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 in the World Cup Round of 32, securing their first knockout-stage victory in 40 years.
- Goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez in the first half were enough to seal the win, despite Ecuador dominating possession in the second half.
- Mexico advances to face either England or DR Congo.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Mexico secured its first knockout-stage victory at the World Cup in 40 years, advancing to the Round of 16 after a 2-0 win against Ecuador. The match was delayed due to adverse weather conditions.
Live updates: Mexico vs Ecuador
By Simon Smale
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That's all folks!
P By Pokuah Frimpong
Another day of great games at this World Cup. Thanks for joining me here for the final game of the day. Be sure to join us tomorrow.
If you do, it's an early start.
England vs DR Congo 2AM (AEST)
Belgium vs Senegal 6AM (AEST)
USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina 10AM (AEST)
Match report: Mexico beats Ecuador 2-0 to reach World Cup last 16 and end knockout hoodoo
P By Pokuah Frimpong
Mexico beats Ecuador2-0 to advance to the last 16 of the World Cup on Tuesday, with first-half goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez giving the co-host its first knockout-stage victory at the tournament in 40 years.
The match was delayed by one hour due to adverse weather conditions around the Azteca Stadium. Mexico will play either England or the Democratic Republic of Congo at the same venue on Sunday.
Mexico forward Quinones gave his side the lead in the 22nd minute of the Round of 32 clash after driving into the box from the left and firing the ball inside the near post.
Javier Aguirre's side doubled its advantage less than 10 minutes later when Jimenez played a one-two with Quinones and smashed it into the top right corner.
Ecuador dominated possession in the second half but could not produce any clear-cut chances, as Mexico maintained its record of not conceding in this year's tournament.
Defender Piero Hincapié was sent off for Ecuador in stoppage time for covering his mouth.
FT stats: Mexico vs Ecuador
P By Pokuah Frimpong
Possession: MEX 43% / ECU 57%
Shots: MEX 15/ ECU 7
Shots on target: MEX 3 / ECU 1
Expected goals: MEX 1.02 / ECU 0.73
Big chances: MEX 2 / ECU 1
FT: Mexico books place in Round of 16 after two first-half goals
P By Pokuah Frimpong
The wait is finally over for Mexico.
The country's first knockout-stage win since 1986.
Two first-half goals from Raúl Jiménez and Julián Quiñones sealed the win for the side.
The co-hosts defended for much of the second half, but it was relatively comfortable as Ecuador failed to create any clear-cut chances.
They now await the winner of England and DR Congo, who play tomorrow. Whichever team it is, they will have to come to the Estadio Azteca to face El Tri.
90 + 4' Hincapié sent off
P By Pokuah Frimpong
It goes from bad to worse for Ecuador.
Piero Hincapié is sent off for covering his mouth in a confrontation after the referee is sent to the monitor.
He becomes the second player sent off for that at the tournament. The first was Paraguay's Miguel Almirón.
90 + 2' Mexico chance
P By Pokuah Frimpong
Lira is so close to making it 3-0.
He curls it beautifully, trying to find the far post, and it's inches away from going in.
90' + 7 minutes added
P By Pokuah Frimpong
89' Ecuador chance
P By Pokuah Frimpong
A few instances now where the Ecuador full backs have sent in some excellent deliveries, but there is no-one there to get on the end of them.
85' Caicedo wide of the mark
P By Pokuah Frimpong
Caicedo gets on the end of the ball outside the box. His side-foot volley is poor as he drives it into the ground, but it's well off target
82' Mexico free kick
P By Pokuah Frimpong
Jordy Caicedo leaps in the air to try and get on the end of a high looping cross, but he completely misjudges it, coming in too early and giving away a free kick.
80' Ecuador and Mexico changes
P By Pokuah Frimpong
Ecuador:
ON: Jordy Caicedo, Kendry Páez
OFF: John Yeboah, Nilson Angulo
Mexico:
ON: Israel Reyes, Orbelín Pineda
OFF: Julián Quiñones, Roberto Alvarado
Mexico subs
P By Pokuah Frimpong
That's all we will see of Raúl Jiménez, who is replaced by Santiago Giménez.
Luis Ramos also departs for Obed Vargas.
74' Rodríguez misses wide
P By Pokuah Frimpong
A nice ball through to Kevin Rodríguez, who just can't keep it under control.
His first touch is poor, and he can't poke it into the net as Rangel closes the space between the two of them.
73' Ecuador chance
P By Pokuah Frimpong
Hincapié with a better ball into the box.
Rodríguez was flying in, but a timely interception from the Mexican defence forces a corner.
68' Hydration break
P By Pokuah Frimpong
Ecuador has dominated possession after the break but has done little with it.
Despite its limited possession, Mexico has had the two best chances of this half so far.
66' Mexico chances
P By Pokuah Frimpong
Jiménez combines with Quiñones, who gets into the box, but his shot is poor and goes out for a corner.
Montes gets a free header from the set piece, and Galíndez has to react fast to keep him out.
Montes gets another header from the next corner; this time he misses just wide of the goal.
63' Ecuador corner
P By Pokuah Frimpong
Ball in by Vite, he can't find the head of a teammate, and it's easily cleared by Mexico.
59' More subs
P By Pokuah Frimpong
Mexico:
ON: Gilberto Mora
OFF: Brian Gutiérrez
Ecuador:
ON: Kevin Rodríguez
OFF: Enner Valencia
Open Questions
- Who will Mexico face in the next round?
- Can Mexico continue their knockout-stage success?