Lightning streaked across the Mexico City sky, delaying kick-off by an hour. When the rain finally eased, Mexico roared out of the blocks and swept Ecuador aside 2-0 – a result that has set up a potential last-16 showdown with England, should Thomas Tuchel’s side overcome DR Congo later on Wednesday.
Mexico have been immaculate at this World Cup: four games, four wins, eight goals scored, none conceded. Their record at the iconic Azteca Stadium is even more intimidating – 70 wins from 89 competitive matches, with only two defeats, and unbeaten in 10 World Cup games there. “We have the chance to do the impossible,” one celebrating fan said, already eyeing England. “You have players like Jude Bellingham, and it is scary, but with the momentum we have there is the chance to do the impossible.”
“Mexico's perfect World Cup run and Azteca fortress set up a potential last-16 clash with England.”
Julian Quinones opened the scoring with a stunning strike before Raul Jimenez added a second, both before half-time. The full-time whistle triggered wild celebrations not just in Mexico but in Los Angeles, where thousands of fans gathered at a watch party and fireworks greeted the final whistle. “This is by far the best performance we have seen from the Mexican team in a long time,” one fan said. “It is a great year to be Mexican and a great year to see the World Cup.”
England’s path to that clash is far from straightforward. Tuchel’s side face DR Congo in Atlanta at 5pm BST, a team that held Portugal to a 1-1 draw. England have yet to hit their peak, with defensive injuries forcing Tuchel into a gamble. A defeat would trigger a major inquest, but victory would set up a mouthwatering but daunting tie at the Azteca. “If it will be England going down to Mexico, it’s going to be like stepping into a different World Cup for them,” former Australia and Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou said on ITV. “The whole nation is behind them – we’ve seen the scenes.”
England have the Ballon d’Or favourite Harry Kane and the brilliance of Bellingham, but they will face a team that has conceded no goals, played no equals, and now has the chance to do the impossible. The Azteca awaits.