Mexico eased in World Cup In the round of 16, they beat Ecuador 2-0 in Mexico City.
Goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez were enough in the middle of the first half for coach Javier Aguirre’s team, which rarely looked troubled despite Ecuador’s possession of the ball more in the second half.
The result means Mexico qualifies without conceding a goal in the tournament.
Entities strike first
Mexico started the match strong in front of its enthusiastic fans and almost took an early lead when Jimenez headed a ball past the goal after a cross pass from Luis Romo.
Young Gilberto Moura continued his brilliance and threatened twice from a distance, while Ecuador’s best chance came in the early stages when John Yeboah beat Cesar Montes and hit the post.
Mexico finally found the breakthrough in the 22nd minute. Quiñones started the move and finished it, racing in a perfect pass before cutting back and shooting into the roof of the net.
Jimenez doubles the advantage
Ecuador struggled to recover from the defeat and found themselves further behind after just nine minutes.
A defensive error allowed Jiménez to win the ball back on the edge of the penalty area before he exchanged passes with Quiñones. The veteran striker then curled a stunning shot into the top corner from close range to make it 2-0.
Mexico remained in control of the game for the remainder of the first half, with goalkeeper Raul Rangel only being called into action once when he made a fine save from Yeboah’s shot.
Ecuador unable to find a response
Sebastian Becasese made changes at half-time in an attempt to spark a comeback, but Mexico’s disciplined defensive structure continued to frustrate the South Americans.
Nelson Angulo and Kevin Rodriguez provided energy after coming on as a substitute, while Moises Caicedo tried to control the game from midfield, but clear opportunities remained rare.
Rodriguez came close when he collected a long pass and rounded Rangel, but sent his effort wide.
At the other end, Mexico almost added a third goal when Johan Vazquez saved Hernan Galindez from a corner kick before substitute Urbelin Pineda fired the ball over the crossbar late in the match.
Late frustration for Ecuador
The closing stages summed up Ecuador’s evening as frustration mounted.
Keandry Baez was booked for a late challenge before defender Piero Hincapie was shown a red card in stoppage time after tackling Santiago Jimenez. Under tournament regulations, covering one’s mouth while making comments to an opponent is an unacceptable offence.
Moises Caicedo also entered the referee’s notebook in the final moments for a late challenge on Pineda.
