Mexico finally ended their 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout win on Tuesday after defeating Ecuador 2-0 at the Estadio Azteca.
Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored first-half goals as the co-hosts booked their place in the last 16.
The round-of-32 clash was delayed for about an hour due to stormy weather, but Mexico showed no signs of distraction when the match eventually kicked off.
Backed by a charged home crowd, the Mexicans started brightly and pinned Ecuador back with wave after wave of attacks.
Jimenez missed a good headed chance in the seventh minute, while 17-year-old Gilberto Mora also went close as Mexico pushed for an early breakthrough.
The pressure finally paid off in the 22nd minute when Quinones received a pass from Roberto Alvarado, drove into the Ecuador box and fired a powerful shot past goalkeeper Hernan Galindez.
How Mexico doubled the lead
Mexico doubled their lead in the 31st minute after Quinones turned provider for Jimenez, who smashed a fine strike into the top corner.
Ecuador briefly threatened through John Yeboah, who hit the outside of the post and later forced a save from Raul Rangel.
But the South Americans struggled to sustain pressure as Mexico remained composed and dangerous on the counter.
Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece made changes after the break in an attempt to rescue the match, but his side failed to find a way through.
Mexico, content to protect their advantage, still looked the more dangerous team, with Cesar Montes twice going close.
Kevin Rodriguez also poked wide for Ecuador late in the game, but the visitors’ hopes faded as the match wore on.
Their miserable night was completed in stoppage time when Piero Hincapie was sent off after a confrontation with an opponent.
The victory ended Mexico’s World Cup knockout drought dating back to 1986, the last time the country hosted the tournament.
Mexico are now unbeaten in 10 World Cup matches at the Azteca and will return to the same venue on Sunday for their last-16 tie.
They will face either England or the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mora also made history after becoming the second-youngest player to start a World Cup knockout match, behind Pele in 1958.
Mexico had entered the knockout stage in strong form after winning all three group matches without conceding a goal.
The co-hosts will now hope the Azteca, which hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals, can inspire another famous night.
AFP
