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Host nation Mexico, which defeated South Korea in the North and Central American World Cup group stage, has advanced to the Round of 16 after beating Ecuador. Extending their streak to four consecutive matches without conceding a goal, they have savored the joy of a tournament match victory for the first time in 40 years.
Reporter Baegun has the story.
[Reporter]
Although the match was delayed by an hour due to adverse weather conditions, including the risk of lightning, the Mexican players moved with ease.
Amidst the enthusiastic support of 80,000 home fans filling the stadium in Mexico City, they demonstrated superior performance from the start.
The opening goal came in the 22nd minute of the first half.
Quinones received a pass sent behind the defense by Alvarado, sprinted forward, and shook the net with a powerful right-footed shot.
Buoyed by the momentum, Mexico extended their lead nine minutes later.
After intercepting a clearance by the opposing defense, Jimenez created an opportunity with a one-two pass with Quinones, then fired a right-footed shot into the top corner of the goal, sending the home fans into a frenzy.
Ecuador attempted to counter, and Yeboah had a decisive opportunity inside the penalty box late in the first half, but was denied by a save from Mexican goalkeeper Rangel.
In the second half, Mexico stifled Ecuador's comeback efforts with strong defense and quick counterattacks. The match was effectively decided in second-half stoppage time when Ecuadorian defender Hincapie was caught covering his mouth while speaking during a confrontation, leading to his dismissal under a new rule introduced for this tournament.
With a 2-0 victory, Mexico has advanced to the Round of 16, securing their first World Cup tournament match win in 40 years since the 1986 tournament held in their own country.
[Javier Aguirre / Head Coach of the Mexico National Football Team: The people of Mexico deserve a night of victory. We have had big wins, but there has never been a victory like this at home with our people.]
Mexico, which continues its streak of four consecutive matches without conceding a goal, will challenge for a spot in the quarterfinals against the winner of the match between England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo this coming Monday.
Video by So Ji-hye
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