Plata plays full 90, but Ecuador fall to Mexico and exit World Cup | OneFootball

Ecuador bows out of the World Cup in the Round of 32

Mexico knocked Ecuador out of the World Cup after a 2-0 win in the early hours of this Wednesday (01). The score, settled in the first half, sent the Mexican national team through to the Round of 16. Gonzalo Plata, of Flamengo, stayed on the pitch for the full 90 minutes.

The match took place at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, under heavy rain and with a one-hour delay due to FIFA’s storm protocol. The home team remained unbeaten and has a perfect record so far.

The Flamengo forward played as a false 9 alongside Enner Valencia, looking for attacking freedom. However, the ball rarely reached Plata, as the lack of creativity in Ecuador’s midfield kept him far from the opposition goal.

During Ecuador’s run in the 2026 World Cup, Plata started four matches. In that span, the No. 19 logged 360 minutes and scored one goal against Germany.

HOW DID MEXICO DOMINATE?

The Mexican national team imposed an intense rhythm from the opening whistle. As a result, their attacking pressure smothered the opponent, who watched Mexico control the game with ease.

Their attacking efficiency led to ten shots for Mexico in the first half alone. Control of the match became evident with goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez, who built the decisive lead even before halftime.

That superiority confirmed the hosts’ strength, as they dominated the center of the pitch and prevented any dangerous counterattacks from the South American side.

WHAT FACTORS MADE THE MATCH DIFFICULT FOR ECUADOR?

Ecuador ran into insurmountable obstacles. Even after changing their approach in the second half and trying to keep more possession, ‘La Tri’ failed to turn territorial dominance into real scoring chances.

Mexico’s defensive line neutralized their advances. In addition, the lack of energy for a comeback in the second half hurt any attempt to cut into the deficit, leaving Gonzalo Plata’s team stagnant in creating productive attacking plays.

GOODBYE, BECCACECE?

The defeat marked the end of the road for coach Sebastián Beccacece, who announced that he will no longer be Ecuador’s head coach. Under Beccacece, ‘La Tri’ played 24 matches, with eight wins, eleven draws, and three losses.

WHAT HAPPENS TO PLATA NOW?

Gonzalo Plata’s plans are changing immediately. According to Coluna do Fla, the forward will be given ten days off. For now, Plata remains with the Ecuador delegation while the return logistics are being finalized.

Plata’s participation in Flamengo’s preseason camp in Portugal has been ruled out because of this necessary rest period. Therefore, the player will only return to the club after the break, aiming to regain match fitness for the domestic and continental competitions awaiting the Rubro-Negro squad for the rest of the season.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR MEXICO?

Mexico, meanwhile, awaits the winner of England vs. DR Congo for its next match. The Round of 16 clash will take place on Sunday (05) at 9 p.m. (Brasília time), once again at the Azteca Stadium.

Ecuador leaves the tournament without breaking its knockout-stage curse. In fact, ‘La Tri’ has never won a knockout match at a World Cup, ending its 2026 campaign in early fashion.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.