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Mexico relieved in world championship round of 16 with a 2-0 win Ecuador in Mexico City.
Goals from Julián Quinones and Raul Jimenez either side midway through the first half proved enough for Javier Aguirre’s side, who rarely looked troubled despite Ecuador enjoying more possession after the break.
The result means Mexico progress without conceding a goal in the tournament.
Quinones strike first
Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, Mexico started aggressively and almost took an early lead when Jimenez headed home shortly after Luis Romo’s cross.
Teenager Gilberto Mora continued to impress, twice threatening from distance, while Ecuador’s best chance of the opening phase came when John Yeboa beat Cesar Montes and hit the post.
Mexico eventually got the breakthrough in the 22nd minute. Quinones started and finished the move, racing onto a perfectly weighted pass before cutting inside and firing into the roof of the net.
Jimenez doubles the advantage
Ecuador struggled to recover from the setback and found themselves further behind just nine minutes later.
A defensive error allowed Jimenez to regain possession on the edge of the area before exchanging passes with Quinones. The veteran striker then curled superbly into the top corner from close range to make it 2-0.
Mexico maintained control for the rest of the half, with goalkeeper Raul Rangel only getting into serious play once when he made a fine save to deny Yeboa’s curling effort.
Ecuador can’t find an answer
Sebastian Becaceche made changes at the interval in an attempt to spark a comeback, but Mexico’s disciplined defensive set-up continued to frustrate the South Americans.
Nilsson Angulo and Kevin Rodriguez offered energy after coming on, while Moises Caicedo tried to dictate play from midfield, but clear-cut opportunities remained scarce.
Rodriguez came closest when he latched on to a long pass and rounded Rangel only to send his effort wide of the target.
At the other end, Mexico almost added a third when Yohan Vazquez forced Hernan Galindes into an excellent corner save before substitute Orbelin Pineda curled wide at the end.
Late disappointment for Ecuador
The closing stages summed up Ecuador’s evening as frustration boiled over.
Kendry Paez was penalized for a late challenge before defender Piero Hincapier was red-carded in stoppage time after tackling Santiago Jimenez. According to tournament rules, covering his mouth while directing comments at an opponent is considered a disallowed foul.
Moises Caicedo also went into the referee’s book in the final moments for a late challenge on Pineda.
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