England face a trip to the Azteca stadium if they beat DR Congo on Wednesday after Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 to reach the last 16 of the World Cup.
The start of the match was delayed by an hour due to a severe thunderstorm that swept over the Mexican capital, but as soon as the skies cleared, Javier Aguirre’s team created a storm.
The start of the match was delayed by an hour after a storm hit Mexico City.
To the roar of a deafening home crowd, Mexico burst out of the blocks with an intensity that Ecuador simply could not live with. Their aggressive pressing, deft movement and relentless energy overwhelmed their South American opponents.
Julian Quinones took a shot down the left side and fired inside before firing into the top corner in the 22nd minute.
Quinones put Mexico on track for a comfortable victory
Raul Jimenez deservedly scored a goal before the break. After more sloppy play from the Ecuadorian defense, Quinones became the provider, giving the experienced striker the opportunity to score.
Ecuador’s response after the break was less than convincing as Mexico controlled possession skilfully, slowed the tempo when needed and rarely allowed their opponents to get back into the contest.
The disappointment in the Ecuadorian ranks finally boiled over in stoppage time.
Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie received a straight red card after an altercation with substitute Santiago Jimenez after the defender covered his mouth while speaking during the confrontation.
Now an even bigger event may be on the horizon. If England beat DR Congo in the round of 16, the heavyweight round of 16 meeting with the hosts promises to be one of the draws of the tournament.
Key highlights from Mexico City…
- START POSTPONED! Storms in Mexico City mean the game is moved back an hour to avoid lightning strikes.
- 22: TARGET! Mexico’s strong start brought a deserved goal as Quiñones broke away and finished powerfully.
- 31: TARGET! Some sloppy defending is punished by Jimenez, who fires a classy shot into the top corner.
- 66: BIG SAVINGS! Hernán Galindez deflects the ball away from Mexico captain Cesar Montes with a fantastic fingertip save.
- 90+4: RED CARD! Hincapie received a straight red card for covering his mouth during an altercation with Jimenez.
Analysis: Mexico vs England? A World Cup classic in the works…
Mexico celebrates its fourth straight win and draw at the World Cup.
Sky Sports’ Lewis Jones:
If England takes care of the cases against DR Congo, Mexico will be waiting. In Aztec.
If that doesn’t energize you, then football probably isn’t for you.
Mexico looked nothing like a country celebrating its first World Cup knockout win since 1986. They seemed to expect more.
Four games. Four wins. Eight goals scored. Nobody gave in.
Azteca remains one of football’s greatest fortresses. In 89 official matches in their favorite stadium, Mexico lost only twice. Away teams don’t just face 11 players in green. They face heights, heat, noise and an atmosphere that can turn every tackle, clearance and shot into a decisive moment.
Host nations can muster a force at World Cups that statistics struggle to quantify. Every victory strengthens faith. Mexico appears to be riding this wave at just the right time.
The test that awaits England, should they get there, could be a football match of epic proportions.
But step by step, eh?
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