Mexico eased into the World Cup last-16 with a 2-0 win over Ecuador in Mexico Metropolis.
Objectives from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez both facet of the halfway level of the primary half proved sufficient for Javier Aguirre’s facet, who hardly ever appeared troubled regardless of Ecuador having fun with extra possession after the break.
The consequence means Mexico progress with out conceding a objective on the event.
Quinones strikes first
Enjoying in entrance of a passionate dwelling crowd, Mexico made an aggressive begin and nearly took an early lead when Jimenez headed narrowly broad from Luis Romo’s cross.
Teenager Gilberto Mora continued to impress, twice threatening from distance, whereas Ecuador’s greatest likelihood of the opening phases arrived when John Yeboah beat Cesar Montes and crashed a shot in opposition to the put up.
Mexico ultimately discovered the breakthrough within the twenty second minute. Quinones began and completed the transfer, racing onto a wonderfully weighted move earlier than reducing inside and firing into the roof of the web.
Jimenez doubles the benefit
Ecuador struggled to get well from the setback and located themselves additional behind simply 9 minutes later.
A defensive mistake allowed Jimenez to regain possession on the sting of the world earlier than exchanging passes with Quinones. The veteran striker then curled an excellent end into the highest nook from shut vary to make it 2-0.
Mexico remained in management for the rest of the half, with goalkeeper Raul Rangel solely referred to as into critical motion as soon as when he produced a nice save to disclaim Yeboah’s curling effort.
Ecuador unable to seek out response
Sebastian Beccacece made adjustments on the interval in an try and spark a comeback, however Mexico’s disciplined defensive construction continued to frustrate the South Individuals.
Nilson Angulo and Kevin Rodriguez each supplied vitality after approaching, whereas Moises Caicedo tried to dictate play from midfield, however clear-cut alternatives remained scarce.
Rodriguez got here closest when he latched onto a protracted move and rounded Rangel, solely to ship his effort broad of the goal.
On the different finish, Mexico nearly added a 3rd when Johan Vasquez compelled Hernan Galindez into a superb response save from a nook earlier than substitute Orbelin Pineda curled narrowly over late on.
Late frustration for Ecuador
The closing phases summed up Ecuador’s night as frustration boiled over.
Kendry Paez was booked for a late problem earlier than defender Piero Hincapie was proven a crimson card deep into stoppage time after confronting Santiago Gimenez. Beneath event rules, protecting his mouth whereas directing feedback at an opponent was deemed a dismissible offence.
Moises Caicedo additionally entered the referee’s pocket book within the ultimate moments for a late problem on Pineda.
