MEXICO CITY: Mexico ended a 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout victory as first-half goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez secured a 2-0 win over Ecuador on Tuesday, sending the co-hosts into the last 16 amid euphoric scenes at a rocking Azteca Stadium.

The round-of-32 victory was Mexico’s first in the knockout stages of a World Cup since beating Bulgaria on home soil in 1986.

“A really good first half and in the second half we managed to stay calm behind the ball,” said Mexico coach Javier Aguirre. “Judging by the atmosphere and how happy everyone is, I’m convinced there’s a real bond between the fans and the team.”

Kickoff was delayed by an hour due to thunderstorms but the weather did little to dampen an atmosphere that surpassed even Mexico’s tournament opener, with over 80,000 fans turning the venue into a sea of green long before the opening whistle.

Mexico’s breakthrough arrived in the 22nd minute through Quinones and sparked deafening celebrations around the Azteca. Quinones unleashed a thunderous finish into the top corner for his third goal of the tournament.

Mexico doubled their advantage nine minutes later after Ecuador cheaply surrendered possession on the edge of their own penalty area.

Jimenez started the move himself, exchanged passes with Quinones and rifled a first-time strike into the top corner for his 47th international goal, moving within five of Javier Hernandez’s all-time Mexico scoring record.

Ecuador threw men forward in the closing stages but found no way past a disciplined Mexico defence, still to concede a goal in the tournament, and their frustration boiled over when defender Piero Hincapie was shown a red card after covering his mouth while arguing with Santiago Gimenez.

As Mexico’s players embraced at the final whistle, the strains of the famous mariachi song “El Rey” (The King) rang around the Azteca, with tens of thousands of supporters singing in celebration at their team’s latest success.

“Sunday’s game is the most important one in the history of the Mexican national team and in my career,” Aguirre added.

After the triumph, thousands of fans crowded Mexico City streets during World Cup celebrations which caused three people their lives, the capital’s health secretariat said in the early hours of Wednesday.

The deaths occurred near the Angel of Independence landmark, where thousands of soccer fans had gathered to celebrate.

Emergency teams tended to three unconscious people at different locations around Paseo de la Reforma, authorities said. The capital’s most emblematic boulevard and the streets around it had been closed to traffic and set up for the football celebrations.

BECCACECE BIDS FAREWELL

Meanwhile, Sebastian Beccacece bid a heartfelt farewell as Ecuador coach following their defeat, saying he would have liked to continue in the role but that he had failed to deliver on his promises.

Despite entering the knockout stage with renewed momentum following a dramatic comeback victory over Germany, Ecuador could not overcome Mexico’s fast start and flawless defensive record.

“Our contract ended with the World Cup. I don’t think we were able to achieve the feat we promised: to make this the best World Cup ever. Today it’s my turn to say goodbye,” Beccacece said after their defeat at a deafening Azteca Stadium. “That’s why I have to leave. I would have liked to continue because what I received from the players and the management warranted the possibility of continuing. But I understand how this works and it hurts.”

Beccacece acknowledged his team were frustrated by an energised Mexican side, who dominated the first half.

“We were outplayed in the first half,” he said.

Ecuador improved after the break and enjoyed more possession as they searched for a way back into the contest, but Mexico’s defence held firm.

“We fought back, but we couldn’t find the goal that would have given us a boost,” Beccacece added.

Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2026