Sports Desk:
After 40 years of waiting, co-hosts Mexico have finally won the knockout stage of the World Cup. The hosts made history by defeating Ecuador 2-0 in the round of 32 match held at the historic Azteca Stadium.
This is the first time since the 1986 World Cup that Mexico has won a match in the knockout stage. It is worth noting that the country was one of the hosts of the World Cup in 1986 as well.
The match started about an hour later than scheduled due to adverse weather conditions. Despite the delay due to strong winds and rain, Mexico presented an aggressive football as soon as it took the field. They kept the Ecuadorian defense under pressure with one attack after another from the start.
In the continuation of this, Julian Quinones gave Mexico a 1-0 lead with a great powerful shot midway through the first half. Then in the 31st minute, Raul Jimenez doubled the lead after a great assist from Quinones.
Mexico, who went into the break with a two-goal lead, continued to play controlled football in the second half. On the other hand, Ecuador tried their best to come back into the match, but could not break through Mexico’s organized defense. As a result, Mexico passed the last 16 barrier with a 2-0 victory and secured a place in the next round.
