Mexico finally exorcised one of the nation’s biggest World Cup demons. Backed by a thunderous crowd at Estadio Azteca, El Tri defeated Ecuador 2-0 on Tuesday to earn its first FIFA World Cup knockout-stage victory in 40 years and move one step closer to a long-awaited quarterfinal appearance.
The victory marked Mexico’s first win in the knockout rounds since defeating Bulgaria during the 1986 World Cup the last time the country hosted the tournament.
The evening began with a one-hour weather delay after lightning moved through Mexico City, but once play finally kicked off, the atmosphere inside Estadio Azteca was electric.
Mexico immediately seized control. Julián Quiñones opened the scoring with another brilliant finish before veteran striker Raúl Jiménez doubled the advantage just nine minutes later, sending the home supporters into celebration.
The two first-half goals proved more than enough as Javier Aguirre’s squad controlled the match from start to finish.
History Made at Azteca
The victory carried historic significance beyond simply advancing. Mexico snapped a heartbreaking streak of seven consecutive eliminations in the first knockout round and continued one of international football’s strongest home-field records.
El Tri has now:
- Won its first World Cup knockout match since 1986.
- Improved to 70 victories in 89 competitive matches played at Estadio Azteca.
- Extended its unbeaten streak to 10 World Cup matches in Mexico City.
- Become just the fourth nation in World Cup history to win its first four tournament matches without conceding a goal.
Quiñones and Jiménez Continue Historic Runs
Mexico’s veteran attack continues to shine. Quiñones scored his third goal of the tournament, moving into second place on Mexico’s all-time World Cup scoring list behind only Luis “Matador” Hernández and Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, who each scored four goals in World Cup play.
Jiménez added his second goal of the tournament and the 47th international goal of his career.
The veteran striker moved past Jared Borgetti into sole possession of second place on Mexico’s all-time scoring list and now sits just five goals behind Chicharito’s national record of 52.
Ecuador’s Tournament Ends in Disappointment
Ecuador entered the knockout stage full of confidence after stunning Germany in its final group-stage match. However, the South Americans struggled to generate sustained pressure against Mexico’s disciplined defense.
Their frustrations boiled over in second-half stoppage time when defender Piero Hincapié received a red card under the competition’s new rule prohibiting players from covering their mouths while speaking to opponents.
The dismissal capped a frustrating evening for Ecuador, whose promising World Cup run came to an abrupt end.
Quarterfinal Dream Within Reach
Mexico’s quest to reach the World Cup quarterfinals remains alive. Standing between El Tri and its deepest World Cup run in decades will be either England or Congo DR in Sunday’s quarterfinal at Estadio Azteca.
With home-field advantage, a defense yet to concede a goal, and momentum firmly on its side, Mexico suddenly finds itself in position to make even more history on home soil.
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