Co-hosts Mexico secured a place in the World Cup last 16 with a convincing 2-0 victory over 10-man Ecuador in a weather-delayed round-of-32 clash at the Azteca Stadium.
The match, which started an6 hour later than scheduled because of a thunderstorm in Mexico City, saw Javier Aguirre’s side dominate from the opening whistle before first-half goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez sealed progression.
Mexico will now face either England or DR Congo in the next round, with the match scheduled for Sunday.
Fast start rewards Mexico
Backed by a passionate home crowd, Mexico began on the front foot and created several chances in the opening minutes. Ecuador briefly threatened through John Yeboah, whose effort struck the woodwork, but the hosts remained in control.
The breakthrough arrived when Colombian-born winger Quinones surged into the penalty area from the left before firing a powerful finish beyond goalkeeper Hernan Galindez. The goal was his third of the tournament.
Co-hosts Mexico secured a place in the World Cup last 16 with a convincing 2-0 victory over 10-man Ecuador in a weather-delayed round-of-32 clash at the Azteca Stadium.
The match, which started an6 hour later than scheduled because of a thunderstorm in Mexico City, saw Javier Aguirre’s side dominate from the opening whistle before first-half goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez sealed progression.
Mexico will now face either England or DR Congo in the next round, with the match scheduled for Sunday.
Fast start rewards Mexico
Backed by a passionate home crowd, Mexico began on the front foot and created several chances in the opening minutes. Ecuador briefly threatened through John Yeboah, whose effort struck the woodwork, but the hosts remained in control.
The breakthrough arrived when Colombian-born winger Quinones surged into the penalty area from the left before firing a powerful finish beyond goalkeeper Hernan Galindez. The goal was his third of the tournament.