Mexico Beat Ecuador 2-0 to Reach Last 16 for First Time in 40 Years

Mexico have ended a 40-year wait to win a World Cup knockout match, beating Ecuador 2-0 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City to advance to the last 16, where they will face either England or DR Congo.

Julian Quinones scored the opener and assisted the second as Javier Aguirre's side claimed a historic win, their first in the knockout stages since they beat Bulgaria at the same venue in 1986, the last time Mexico hosted the tournament.

Quinones broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute, racing onto Roberto Alvarado's pass before cutting inside and firing into the roof of the net. Nine minutes later it was two, as he laid the ball off for Raul Jimenez, who curled a superb finish into the top corner to put the game to bed.

The result was sealed before halftime, and Mexico rarely looked troubled after that. Ecuador had more of the ball in the second half, finishing with 57% possession overall and 68% after the break, but could not find a way through a disciplined Mexican defence. Goalkeeper Raul Rangel made one big save before the break to deny John Yeboah, while substitute Kevin Rodriguez missed Ecuador's clearest chance of the second half, rounding Rangel only to send his effort wide.

Mexico's clinical edge told in the numbers. They registered 15 shots to Ecuador's 7, with a 10-5 advantage in attempts from inside the box, and finished with a higher expected goals figure of 1.02 to 0.73 despite having less of the ball. At the back, the centre-back pairing of Johan Vasquez and Caesar Montes combined for 19 clearances, and Mexico won 64% of aerial duels.

The victory made Mexico just the fourth team in World Cup history to win their first four matches without conceding a goal. They have also not allowed a first-half goal in their last 15 World Cup games, the second-longest such run in the tournament's history.

Quinones was named player of the match after becoming only the second Mexican player to score in three games of a single World Cup, joining Luis Hernandez from 1998. His tally of four direct goal contributions in this tournament also equals Hernandez's Mexico record for a single edition.

The drama was not entirely over. Ecuador defender Piero Hincapie was shown a red card in stoppage time following a VAR review, punished under tournament regulations for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent. Moises Caicedo was also booked in the closing moments.

Mexico remain unbeaten in 10 World Cup matches played in Mexico City and have lost just twice in 89 competitive games at the Azteca. 

England or DR Congo await in the last 16, again at the famous old ground.