A beer-soaked ITV comms team, a ruthless Mexico side who have yet to concede a goal, and a stadium where they have lost only twice in 89 competitive games – this is the nightmare awaiting England if they beat DR Congo on Wednesday evening.
Javier Aguirre’s men punched their ticket to the last 16 after beating Ecuador 2-0 at the historic Azteca Stadium on Tuesday, with Julian Quinones’ opener prompting such a wild celebration from the home crowd that the ITV commentary team revealed they were drenched in beer.
“Mexico trounce Ecuador 2-0 to set up potential last-16 clash with England at the intimidating Azteca Stadium.”
The victory extended Mexico’s remarkable run at their fortress: they have now won 70 of 89 competitive games at the Mexico City ground, losing only twice, and are unbeaten in their last 10 World Cup matches there. In the tournament so far, El Tri have won all four matches, scoring eight goals and conceding none.
Arsenal’s Piero Hincapie was sent off during the game, adding to Ecuador’s misery as they were eliminated.
England must first navigate their own last-32 tie against DR Congo at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta later today. Thomas Tuchel’s side face an injury crisis, with the German confirming two players will miss the match. But even if they progress, the prospect of a trip to the Azteca has already spooked a section of England supporters.
“Yeah if England get past DR Congo we’re getting fried in this environment,” one fan tweeted. Another wrote: “England having to play Mexico next round in Mexico is absolutely brutal. This team is on a different level right now playing in Azteca.” A third added: “Like how the hell is England supposed to go into the Azteca and beat Mexico lol.”
One supporter even suggested elimination might be preferable: “England might have to get knocked out against DR Congo to spare themselves the humiliation of a trip to Mexico.”
For now, the Three Lions’ immediate focus is on Congo. But if they prevail, the Azteca – and a hostile, unbeaten Mexico – await.