Without encountering any particular difficulties, the Mexican national team defeated Ecuador 2-0 at the legendary “Azteca” and qualified for the “round of 16” of the World Cup, where they will face the team that will qualify from the England-D.R. Congo match.

    The “hosts” entered the field very strongly and by the seventh minute they already had four final phases, the most important of which was – from the height of the small area – Jimenez’s moving, nail-biting header (7`), who sent the ball just outside Galindes’ left post. Eight minutes later, 18-year-old Gilberto Mora failed to score from an advantageous position, while Geboa’s shot for Ecuador (18`) had a similar development.

    The Mexicans’ pressure “paid off” in the 22nd minute, when with his third excellent assist in the tournament, Alvarado passed the ball to Quinones, who began an impressive run from the height of the center and after entering the area, “executed” Galindes with an impressive shot, scoring his third goal in the tournament.

    With the “air” that gave them the lead in the score, the home team imposed their rhythm in search of a goal that would give them a strong lead for qualification. And they succeeded in the 31st minute, when Quinones and Raul Jimenez played the “1-2” with the experienced striker taking the ball and from the height of the area leaving no room for reaction for the Ecuadorian goalkeeper.

    In the last important phase of the first half (40′), Yeboah shot powerfully from inside the area, but Rangel was ready and made an impressive save for a corner.

    At the start of the second 45 minutes, the Mexicans came close to 3-0, but Alvarado sent the ball just wide of Galindes’ goal. Subsequently, and with the changes made by Becasese, the visitors gained control of the ball, but without any significant result, since the Mexicans’ defensive performance proved to be excellent once again (note: after four matches, they have not conceded a goal in the competition).

    In the 67th minute, Galindes blocked a corner kick with one (!) hand from Montes’s powerful header, who in the progression of the phase, tried to score again with a header, but sent the ball over the Ecuadorian goal. In the 75th minute, Rodriguez missed a unique opportunity to reduce the score and give his teammates hope for something better, while in the last notable phase of the match, Orbelin Pineda, with a shot from inside the area, sent the ball just outside the intersection of Galindes’ posts.

    In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Incapie was sent off with a straight red card for having an “argument” with Santiago Jiménez.

    PAOK defender Jorge Sanchez was in the starting 11 fielded by Aguirre, while AEK midfielder Orbelin Pineda was on the bench for the Mexicans and replaced Quinones in the 79th minute.

    It is noted that the match started one hour late (05:00 Greek time) due to heavy rain.

    Referee: S.Vinčić (Slovenia)
    Yellows: Franco, Paes, Moises Caicedo
    Reds: Incapie
    Lineups:

    MEXICO (Diego Aguirre): Rangel, Sanchez, Montes, Vasquez, Gallardo, Mora (58` Gutierrez), Lira, Romo (74` Vargas), Alvarado (79` Reyes), Quinones (79` Pineda), Raul Jimenez (74` Santiago Jimenez).

    EQUATORIAL (Sebastian Becasese): Galindes, Franco (46` Medina), Ordonies (46` Preciado), Pacho, Incapie, Yeboa (79` Jordi Caicedo), Moises Caicedo, Vité, Angulo (79` Paes), Plata, Valencia (58` Rodriguez).