Mexico makes history: 2-0 Ecuador and into the last 16 after 40 years

Party at the Coloso de Santa Úrsula! Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 at an Estadio Azteca that first got shaken up by a lightning and thunder storm—the match kicked off an hour late—and then came down with pure joy. Because this isn't just any old win: El Tri advances in a World Cup knockout for the first time since 1986. Forty years of waiting.

The match. After the sky's scare, Mexico came out firing. In the 21st minute, Julián Quiñones charged forward and smashed a beauty into the top corner with his right foot, impossible for Galíndez. And in the 31st, a dodgy clearance from Ecuador's backline was pounced on by Raúl Jiménez, who with a helping hand from Quiñones himself finished with his left foot tight to the post. 2-0 and time to dream.

Ecuador gave it a go. Beccacece's Tri, riding high after knocking out Germany, hunted for a consolation—a Caicedo effort ran into a worldie save from Rangel, and Gonzalo Plata crashed one off the post—but the Azteca was a cauldron and Mexico managed the game perfectly. The co-hosts, who'd won all three group matches, keep their perfect record intact.

What's next. Mexico awaits their opponent in the Round of 16: the winner of England-DR Congo, and they'll play again in Mexico City. The World Cup dream of "what if we actually do this?" is more alive than ever. Ecuador, head held high, bow out after a brilliant group stage.

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