Mexico FINALLY end longest World Cup record as key element plays a part

Analysis

Matthew Judge | Editor

Mexico finally exorcised their knockout-stage demons by beating Ecuador 2-0 at the World Cup on Wednesday.

El Tricolor had developed a habit for regularly progressing through the World Cup group phase, only to fall at the first knockout hurdle.

Mexico had previously failed to win a knockout match in their last eight World Cup appearances - the longest such run in tournament history.

However, Mexico have now broken that curse as goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez saw off 10-man Ecuador on Wednesday.

And the co-hosts had another element to thank for their momentous victory over Ecuador: their spiritual home of Estadio Azteca.

Estadio Azteca is now the home of Mexico's last two knockout victories

With a capacity of 87,523, the Azteca is widely regarded as one of the greatest venues in all of sport.

Brazil and Argentina legends Pele and Diego Maradona both won the World Cup at the Azteca - in 1970 and 1986 respectively.

And for Mexico, the stadium has now provided the stage for their last two victories in the World Cup knockout phase.

Before Wednesday’s win over Ecuador, Mexico’s last knockout victory at the World Cup came in 1986 - another tournament they hosted.

In front of a packed-out Azteca, Mexico defeated Bulgaria 2-0 in the round of 16 thanks to goals from Manuel Negrete and Paul Servin.

Another man who played in that game was current Mexico boss Javier Aguirre - the throughline between the last two knockout victories.

However, Aguirre is hoping for a better ending at this summer’s tournament, having been sent off in the quarter-finals in 1986.

Mexico’s reward for beating Bulgaria was a clash against West Germany in the last eight, with both sides being reduced to 10 men.

Thomas Berthold was sent off for West Germany after 65 minutes, only for Aguirre to follow suit in the 10th minute of stoppage time.

With the match heading all the way to penalties following a 0-0 draw, a brave Mexico were beaten 4-1 in the shootout.

Klaus Allofs, Andreas Brehme, Lothar Matthaus and Pierre Littbarski all converted for West Germany, who went on to lose 3-2 in the 1986 final against a Maradona-inspired Argentina at the Azteca.

Mexico will hope to return to the quarter-final stage for the first time in 40 years this summer, with Aguirre’s men set to take on either England or DR Congo in the last 16.

And the venue for that game? The Azteca, where Mexico remain unbeaten in 10 World Cup matches having earned eight wins and two draws.

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