A trip to the Azteca Stadium awaits England if they beat DR Congo on Wednesday after Mexico strolled past Ecuador 2-0 to reach the last 16 of the World Cup.
Kick-off was delayed by an hour due to a severe thunderstorm sweeping across the Mexican capital, but once the skies cleared, it was Javier Aguirre’s side who brought the storm.
Roared on by a deafening home crowd, Mexico exploded out of the blocks with an intensity Ecuador simply could not live with. Their aggressive pressing, slick movement and relentless energy overwhelmed their South American opponents.
Julian Quinones was sent clear down the left and cut inside before firing into the top corner on 22 minutes.
Raul Jimenez deservedly got his goal before the interval. After more sloppy play from Ecuador’s defence, Quinones turned provider, squaring for the veteran striker to hammer home.
Ecuador’s response after the break lacked conviction as Mexico expertly controlled possession, slowed the tempo when required and rarely allowed their opponents a meaningful route back into the contest.
Frustration within the Ecuador ranks finally boiled over deep into stoppage time.
Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie was shown a straight red card following an altercation with substitute Santiago Gimenez after the defender appeared to cover his mouth while speaking during the confrontation.
Now an even bigger occasion could be on the horizon. If England overcome DR Congo in the last 32, a heavyweight last-16 meeting with the hosts promises to be one of the ties of the tournament.
