Thunder and lightning streaked across the sky over Mexico City, delaying kick-off by an hour. When the storm had passed, the co-hosts unleashed one of their own. Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez struck twice in the first half to sweep aside Ecuador 2-0 at the Azteca Stadium, sending Mexico into the last 16 of the World Cup – and sending a chilling warning to potential opponents England.
Quinones broke the offside trap in the 22nd minute and fired a rocket into the top corner. Ten minutes later, Jimenez made amends for an earlier miss with a sublime finish into the same corner. Ecuador's misery was complete when Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie was sent off in injury time for covering his mouth while confronting an opponent.
“Mexico crushed Ecuador 2-0 at the Azteca, maintaining a perfect World Cup record and setting up a potential last-16 clash with England.”
Mexico have now won all four games at this World Cup, scoring eight goals and conceding none. Their competitive record at the Azteca is staggering: 70 wins from 89 games, with 17 draws and only two defeats. They are also unbeaten in 10 World Cup matches at the iconic venue, which has hosted two World Cup finals and the Hand of God game.
Should England beat DR Congo on Wednesday evening, they will travel south of the US border to face Mexico in the last 16 on Sunday night – back at the Azteca. "We have the chance to do the impossible," one fan told the BBC, as thousands celebrated at watch parties in Los Angeles. In Mexico City, the full-time whistle prompted wild scenes of jubilation.
Former Australia and Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou said on ITV: "If it will be England going down to Mexico, it's going to be like stepping into a different World Cup for them." Javier Aguirre's side shut the door on their South American opponents in the second half, barely allowing a sniff of goal. The whole nation is behind them, and the momentum is building. England, with Ballon d'Or favourite Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, face a daunting task – if they get there at all.