Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 to reach World Cup last 16 and end knockout hoodoo

Mexico ended a four-decade drought in World Cup knockout matches on Tuesday, securing a 2-0 victory over Ecuador at a jubilant Azteca Stadium to advance to the last 16. The win, fueled by first-half goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez, marked Mexico's first knockout stage triumph since 1986, when they also hosted the tournament.

The atmosphere inside the iconic stadium was electric, with over 80,000 fans creating a vibrant spectacle despite a one-hour kickoff delay due to thunderstorms. Mexico channeled this energy into an aggressive start, nearly taking an early lead through Raul Jimenez and a stinging shot from teenager Gilberto Mora.

Mexico's breakthrough came in the 22nd minute when Julian Quinones, a Colombian-born forward, received a pass and powered a shot into the top corner. Nine minutes later, Raul Jimenez doubled the lead after Ecuador conceded possession cheaply, rifling home his 47th international goal. The hosts played with renewed confidence, dominating the remainder of the first half and arguably producing their most complete 45 minutes of the tournament.

In the second half, the crowd's "Y si sí?" ("What if?") chant fueled the team's belief. While Ecuador saw more of the ball and sought a comeback, Mexico largely maintained control. Despite late pressure from Ecuador, Mexico held firm to secure their historic victory, setting up a last-16 clash with either England or the Democratic Republic of Congo.

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Y si sí?