Mexico doubled their advantage in the 31st minute after Jimenez found the top corner to ruthlessly punish a mistake by Ecuador.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Mexico set up a potential Round of 16 tie against England in the 2026 World Cup after a comfortable 2-0 victory over Ecuador at the Mexico City Stadium.
In the weather-delayed encounter, the tournament co-hosts produced a breathless display in the first half and a controlled performance after the break to win their first knockout game since 1986.
Mexico opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when Julian Quinones escaped down the left and dispatched an unerring shot beyond Ecuador goalkeeper Hernan Galindez and into the roof of the net.
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They doubled their advantage nine minutes later when Raul Jimenez found the top corner to ruthlessly punish a mistake by Ecuador centre-back Joel Ordonez on the edge of his own penalty area.
Ecuador improved considerably after half-time but could not find their way back, and their night worsened as Piero Hincapie was given his marching orders in additional time.
With the win, Mexico will again have the advantage of playing in front of their home crowd when they meet either England or DR Congo in the next round.
