Mexico march on after dominant win over Ecuador | OneFootball

Mexico booked their place in the World Cup last 16 with a composed 2-0 victory over Ecuador, producing another disciplined display to maintain their perfect defensive record at the tournament.

Backed by a vibrant home crowd in Mexico City, Javier Aguirre’s side made an energetic start and quickly put Ecuador under sustained pressure. Raúl Jiménez threatened early with a header before Julián Quiñones broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute, collecting a well-timed through ball before cutting inside and rifling an unstoppable effort into the top corner.

The hosts doubled their advantage nine minutes later after capitalising on a defensive error. Jiménez won possession high up the pitch, exchanged passes with Quiñones and curled an excellent finish beyond Hernán Galíndez to leave Ecuador with a mountain to climb before the interval.

Ecuador enjoyed more of the ball after the break but struggled to break down Mexico’s organised back line. Kevin Rodríguez came closest to pulling one back after rounding goalkeeper Raúl Rangel, only to send his effort wide of an empty net.

Mexico remained dangerous on the counter, with Johan Vásquez forcing a smart save from Galíndez and substitute Orbelín Pineda narrowly missing the target late on.

Ecuador’s frustration spilled over in stoppage time when Piero Hincapié was sent off, capping a disappointing evening as Mexico comfortably advanced to the next round without conceding a single goal.

Incidents: The story of the match

1':

The match begins

22':

GOAL Mexico: Julián Quiñones (Mexico) scores!

Julián Quiñones scores goal number 3 in the competition (4 matches) Julián Quiñones scored his 5th goal for his country (26 matches)

31':

GOAL Mexico: Raúl Jiménez (Mexico) scores!

Raúl Jiménez scores goal number 2 in the competition (3 matches) Raúl Jiménez scored his 47th goal for his country (129 matches)

90 +5':

Red Card for Piero Hincapié (Ecuador)

Piero Hincapié has now picked up 1 red in the competition (4 matches)

90 +9':

The referee whistles for the end of the match

Melhor em campo:

Julián Quiñones (MEX) is the oficial Man of the Match