Mexico Beats Ecuador 2-0 to Reach World Cup Round of 16, Will Face England at Estadio Azteca
Julián Quiñones and Raul Jiménez scored in the first 31 minutes as Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 to advance to the World Cup Round of 16. Jiménez, 35, became the first player in his 30s to score a knockout-round goal for Mexico, while 17-year-old Gilberto Mora became the youngest player to start a World Cup knockout match since Pelé. Mexico will host England at Estadio Azteca on July 5.
Video Transcript
Mexico beats Ecuador two nil to reach World Cup round of 16.
Now they'll face England at Estadio Azteca this weekend.
Mexico is going back to Estadio Azteca, and this time a piece of history came with it.
El Tri dominated Ecuador from the opening whistle, storming to a two nil win to punch their ticket to the round of 16.
Both goals came inside the first 31 minutes.
Julian Quinones opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, burying a shot in the top corner.
10 minutes later, a disastrous Ecuador turnover handed Raul Jimenez a wide open look in the box, and he didn't miss.
That goal made the 35-year-old Jimenez the first player in his 30s to score a Mexico knockout round goal and gave Mexico its first knockout win in 40 years.
17-year-old Gilberto Mora also made history, becoming the youngest player to start a World Cup knockout match since Pele.
Ecuador's defense, which had allowed just five goals in 18 qualifying matches, completely fell apart and things got worse late when defender Piero Hincapie was sent off with a red card.
Mexico's reward: a round of 16 date with England at Estadio Azteca on July 5th with home field advantage squarely on their side.
Coach Javier Aguirre, who'd never reached this stage as a player or a coach, called it the best moment of his career
