Mexico vs Ecuador

Mexico delivered another dominant home performance, beating Ecuador 2-0 at a rocking Estadio Azteca in Mexico City to reach the Round of 16 for the first time since 2006. Raúl Jiménez opened the scoring in the first half, capitalising on a catastrophic Ecuador turnover in their own half before squaring for the unmarked striker to tap in. Julián Quiñones — who had scored the fastest goal in Mexican World Cup history in the tournament opener against South Africa — sealed the result on the break in the second half, taking his tournament tally to three goals. It was a masterclass in home-tournament football: disciplined, clinical, and backed by one of the loudest atmospheres of the entire tournament. Ecuador, who had stunned Germany to top Group E, found no way through a resolute Mexican defence, with goalkeeper Raúl Rangel once again impressive between the posts. Mexico now face England or DR Congo in the Round of 16 at Estadio Azteca, with the co-hosts dreaming of going further than any previous Mexican generation.