Mexico harness Azteca altitude to down Ecuador and reach the last 16

Mexico continued their imperious home campaign with a 2-0 win over Ecuador at the Estadio Azteca, first-half goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez sending the hosts into the Round of 16. Playing at 2,240 metres above sea level — an altitude that has long made the Azteca a fortress and taxes visiting legs late in games — the acclimatised hosts controlled the tempo and never looked back. Mexico have still never lost a World Cup match at the great stadium, and having become the first Mexican side to win all three group games, they now add a knockout victory to a near-flawless tournament.

Match summary: Quinones and Jimenez strike early

Mexico made their advantage tell early. Julian Quinones opened the scoring on 22 minutes, finishing sharply to settle the home crowd, and the lead was doubled on 31 minutes when Raul Jimenez struck to put the hosts firmly in command. Two goals to the good inside the opening half-hour, Mexico were able to manage the game thereafter, using the conditions and their composure to see out a comfortable victory. Ecuador, who had impressed in the group stage, struggled to build sustained pressure in the thin air and could not find a way back into the contest.

Altitude, a fortress and a flawless run

The Azteca's altitude was again a defining factor: at 2,240 metres, the venue is one of world football's most demanding, and Mexico's familiarity with it gives the hosts a genuine edge that visitors rarely overcome. Ecuador's exit is a disappointment for a side that had beaten Germany in the group stage, but the altitude and Mexico's control proved too much on the day. For the hosts, the milestones keep coming — a first-ever perfect group stage now followed by a knockout win — and the sense of a nation dreaming grows with every round at their spiritual home.

Mexico await England or DR Congo

Victory carries Mexico into the Round of 16, where they will face the winner of England against DR Congo on July 5. The hosts will fancy their chances against anyone at the Azteca, the altitude and the atmosphere a formidable combination. Ecuador, eliminated, depart after a campaign that promised much, while Mexico roll on — unbeaten at home, altitude at their backs and a nation behind them.