Mexico showed their skills at the famous Azteca Stadium on Tuesday, beating Ecuador 2-0 and finally breaking their World Cup knockout curse after 40 years.
The match in the round of 32 was delayed for an hour because of bad weather. When it kicked off, Mexico quickly took control, launching attack after attack.
In an exciting atmosphere, Julian Quinones scored for Mexico midway through the first half with a powerful shot. He then assisted Raul Jimenez for the second goal.
Ecuador needed to regain control after halftime but struggled to find their rhythm. Mexico was mostly in charge of the game.
Mexico had not won a World Cup knockout match since 1986, when they last hosted the tournament. This win means they are now unbeaten in 10 World Cup matches at the Azteca Stadium. They are looking forward to facing either England or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the round of 16.
Mexico was one of only three teams to win all three of their group matches, along with France and Argentina. They did not allow any goals during the group stage.
Ecuador finished third in their group, with only two goals scored.
Gilberto Mora, 17, started for Mexico, making him the second-youngest player to start a knockout match at a World Cup, after Pele in 1958.
Mexico began the match strongly and didn’t let Ecuador settle. Jimenez missed a great chance with a header in the seventh minute, and Mora's shot went just wide.
On the other side, John Yeboah made a rare attack for Ecuador, getting into the penalty area and hitting the outside of the post.
Mexico took the lead in the 22nd minute when Quinones got the ball from Roberto Alvarado. He raced down the left, entered the box, and fired an unstoppable shot past goalkeeper Hernan Galindez, sending the crowd wild.
The first hydration break didn't change the flow of the game. Mexico doubled their lead after half an hour when Quinones set up Jimenez, who blasted a shot into the top corner.
Ecuador’s Raul Rangel made a great save to stop another shot from Yeboah as Ecuador started to find their footing. But Mexico kept creating chances.
Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece made several changes after the break to try and get back into the match. But Mexico, happy to defend, still looked more dangerous. Cesar Montes had two close chances.
Ecuador substitute Kevin Rodriguez shot just wide with a little over 15 minutes left, but they could not create more chances.
Piero Hincapie was sent off in stoppage time for covering his mouth during a confrontation with a player from Mexico, ending a tough night for Ecuador.
Mexico will hope the Azteca Stadium, which hosted the World Cup finals in 1970 and 1986, brings them more luck in the last 16 on Sunday.
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