Mexico end 40-year knockout drought

The 40-year wait is over. Mexicans had learned to live with defeats in the knockout stages of the World Cup. On seven occasions, El Tri fans were left heartbroken at this stage.

Not anymore.

Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored within a nine-minute span in the first half, and Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 on Tuesday night to break a four-decade drought in the knockout stage and progress to the round of 16.

Quiñones opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, and Jiménez added a goal in the 31st for the Mexicans, who had not won a knockout-stage match since defeating Bulgaria in the round of 16 when they hosted the tournament in 1986.

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre was one of the starting midfielders in that ’86 team.

“It means a lot to me because I am one of those who could not progress in the knockout stage,” Aguirre said. “We are in the round of 16, and there is a great connection with the fans. We are like a family. It is spectacular.”

In the expanded, 48-team World Cup, thereis an extra round in the knockout phase — the round of 32 was inserted for this tournament between the group stage and the round of 16.

“I am just happy with the result. That is all that matters now,” said Quiñones, who is playing in his first World Cup with Mexico.

The 29-year-old forward arrived in the country from Colombia at age 17 and became a naturalised citizen in 2023.

“Life is about struggle and fight until you get what you want,” he said. “And I am taking full advantage of the opportunity that I got.” For Mexico.

Mexico became the first CONCACAF side to eliminate a team from CONMEBOL in a World Cup knockout match. Teams from South America won the previous five meetings