Mexico City — Mexico exorcised a 40-year demon on Tuesday night, winning a World Cup knockout match for the first time since hosting the tournament in 1986. Goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez secured a 2-0 victory over Ecuador, sending El Tri to the round of 16 where they will likely face England.
From the opening whistle, Javier Aguirre’s team took control, pressing high and dominating possession. Seventeen-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora was the catalyst, driving attacks and testing Ecuador’s defense. In the 13th minute, he came close to opening the scoring with a right-footed shot that curled just wide of the post.
Mora was supported by Erik Lira, who won nearly every defensive duel, and Luis Romo, who found space between the lines. One of Romo’s crosses found Jiménez unmarked, but his header went narrowly wide.
Ecuador’s best chance of the first half came in the 16th minute when John Yeboah fired a left-footed shot from inside the box that whistled past the post.
Mexico’s breakthrough came in the 22nd minute. Roberto Alvarado found space on the left and slipped a pass to Quiñones, who beat Willian Pacho and surprised goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez with a shot to the near post. The goal was Quiñones’ third of the tournament, matching Luis Hernández’s tally from the 1998 World Cup.
The goal ignited the crowd at Estadio Banorte, which had been subdued during Mexico’s three previous group-stage matches. Every tackle from Lira, every clearance from Jorge Sánchez and Johan Vásquez drew roars, while Ecuador’s touches were met with deafening whistles.
Eleven minutes before halftime, Jiménez doubled the lead. After linking up with Quiñones, the striker received a return pass inside the area, shaped his body, and fired a powerful shot past Galíndez. The goal made Jiménez Mexico’s second-highest scorer in official matches with 47 goals, behind only Javier Hernández (56).
Ecuador pushed forward after the break but never broke through Mexico’s organized defense. Goalkeeper Raúl Rangel commanded his area, dealing confidently with crosses.
In the 58th minute, Mora was substituted to a standing ovation, replaced by Brian Gutiérrez. The teenager had been the engine of Mexico’s attack.
Ecuador’s frustration boiled over in stoppage time when Piero Hincapié was sent off after directing comments at Santiago Giménez while covering his mouth. The referee reviewed the incident on VAR and showed a straight red card.
The final whistle confirmed a long-awaited night for Mexican soccer. El Tri will learn their round-of-16 opponent on Wednesday, which will be either England or Congo. The match is scheduled for Sunday, July 5, at 18:00 local time at Estadio Banorte.
Lineups
Mexico: Raúl Rangel; Jorge Sánchez, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo; Erik Lira, Luis Romo, Gilberto Mora; Julián Quiñones, Raúl Jiménez, Roberto Alvarado. Substitutes: Brian Gutiérrez for Mora, Obed Vargas for Romo, Santiago Giménez for Jiménez, Orbelín Pineda for Quiñones, Israel Reyes for Alvarado.
Ecuador: Hernán Galíndez; Piero Hincapié, Joel Ordóñez, Willian Pacho; Pedro Vite, Alan Franco, Moisés Caicedo; John Yeboah, Enner Valencia, Gonzalo Plata, Nilson Angulo. Substitutes: Yaimar Medina for Franco, Angelo Preciado for Ordóñez, Jordy Caicedo for Yeboah, Kendry Páez for Angulo.
