sports
Mexico end World Cup knockout drought with last-32 win over Ecuador in Azteca cauldron
They were held up by an electric storm but, after it had cleared, Mexico simply kept the lightning bolts coming. El Tri have broken a hex that had gnawed at the nation’s football psyche for years, winning a World Cup knockout game for the first time since 1986, and the head turner will be the manner in which it happened. Javier Aguirre’s players cut Ecuador apart in a stunning first-half performance that rocked a pulsating Estadio Azteca to its foundations and laid a marker for the round of 16. Thudding finishes from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez sent them clear and they could manage their way through the remainder, resting legs for their next assignment here on Sunday.
TL;DR
- Mexico won a World Cup knockout game for the first time since 1986, defeating Ecuador.
- The match was delayed by an electric storm, but Mexico delivered a strong performance.
- Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored for Mexico in the first half.
- 17-year-old Gilberto Mora was highlighted for his impressive performance.
- The atmosphere at the Estadio Azteca was intense, with high crowd noise levels.
- Ecuador had lodged a complaint with FIFA regarding noise outside their hotel.
- Mexico will likely face England in the next round.
- Piero Hincapié received a red card for Ecuador late in the game.