Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 in Mexico City to book a potential last-16 World Cup meeting with England. The Three Lions must beat DR Congo on Wednesday evening to secure a trip to the iconic Azteca Stadium.
Dominant First Half Seals Victory
The match was delayed by an hour due to a thunderstorm, but more than 80,000 fans created a raucous atmosphere as Mexico dominated. Gilberto Mora fired narrowly over from distance and Raul Jimenez headed a fraction wide within the first 10 minutes. Ecuador's John Yeboah hit the post against the run of play before Mexico took the lead midway through the first half.
Julian Quinones was sent clear down the left by Roberto Alvarado, cut inside, and fired into the top corner. In the 31st minute, Jimenez doubled the advantage, linking up with Quinones before smashing his shot into the roof of the net from the edge of the area.
Ecuador's Frustration Grows
Yeboah was denied by Raul Rangel before half-time as Ecuador sought a route back into the game. Ecuador keeper Hernan Galindez made an excellent save after 66 minutes to keep out a Cesar Montes header from a corner. At the other end, Kevin Rodriguez prodded wide when played in by Moises Caicedo, but the South American side were unable to mount a comeback.
Hincapie Sent Off in Stoppage Time
Ecuador's misery was compounded when Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie was sent off in stoppage time for covering his mouth during an altercation with Santiago Gimenez. He became the second player to be sent off at the World Cup for this offence.
Quinones said: “You can stand out as an individual, but that’s only possible because of the team’s great performance. That’s our mindset. We have to keep fighting. That’s how life is: you fight, fight, and fight until you get what you want. Thank you to everyone who supported us and believed in us.”
Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece said on fifa.com: “We were outplayed in the first half. Then we fought back, but we couldn’t find the goal that would have given us a boost. I’m grateful to all the players and to the country for this journey and this adventure alongside them. I just want to say ‘thank you’.”
Additional reporting by Press Association.
