Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 to reach World Cup last-16 and break 40-year curse

Adverse weather does not dampen Mexico’s party as the cohosts storm into the last 16 by beating Ecuador.Mexico turned on the style at their iconic Azteca Stadium on Tuesday, brushing Ecuador aside 2-0 to break their FIFA World Cup knockout curse dating back 40 years.The round-of-32 match was delayed for an hour due to stormy weather, and when it started, the co-hosts flew out of the blocks, mounting wave after wave of attacks.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3American dream or reality check? Bosnia to test USA’s World Cup credentialslist 2 of 3Mbappe draws level with Messi as France beat Sweden to reach last 16list 3 of 3Mbappe, Deschamps break World Cup records in Sweden thrashingend of listIn a supercharged atmosphere, Julian Quinones gave Mexico a deserved lead midway through the first half with a thunderous strike, and then turned provider for Raul Jimenez.Ecuador desperately needed to wrest back the momentum after the break but struggled to shift through the gears, with the home side largely in control.Mexico had not won a World Cup knockout game since 1986, when it last hosted the tournament.Tuesday’s win means Mexico are now unbeaten in 10 World Cup games at the Azteca and will fancy their chances against England or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the round of 16.Mexico were one of only three teams in the group phase to win all three of their matches, alongside title favourites France and reigning champions Argentina, and did not concede a single goal.Ecuador finished third in their group, scoring just two goals.Mexico players celebrate after the match [Henry Romero/Reuters]Gilberto Mora, 17, was named in the starting line-up for Mexico, becoming the second-youngest player to start a knockout match at the World Cup finals behind Brazil legend Pele in 1958.The home team started on the front foot, refusing to allow a shell-shocked Ecuador to settle.