Yaimar Medina was part of an Ecuador side that trailed Mexico 2-0 at Estadio Azteca, with Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez supplying the goals. The round-of-32 match had already been pushed back an hour by thunderstorms before Mexico moved in front.
Mexico Control Estadio Azteca
Quinones struck first, and Jimenez added the second in the 31st minute to give Mexico a cushion that Ecuador had to chase. That left Mexico close to extending a tournament run without conceding a goal, with Spain the only other side yet to do the same.
The delayed start did not change the pace once play settled. Severe weather cleared in time for the revised kickoff, and Mexico took the sharper chances before Ecuador could settle into its response.
Kendry Paez Enters Late
Paez had barely featured at this World Cup, even after breaking into the first team at Independiente del Valle at 15, making his Ecuador debut at 16, and later signing for Chelsea before loan spells at Strasbourg and River Plate. He came on for Angulo, while Jordy replaced John Yeboah for Ecuador as they tried to push higher up the field.
Ecuador kept pressing, but Rodriguez could only poke a near-post effort just wide of the unguarded net. Mexico, meanwhile, made all five of their changes, with Pineda and Reyes on for Alvarado and Quinones, and Vargas and Gimenez on for Romo and Jimenez.
Last 16 Awaits
The winner moves into the last 16 at Estadio Azteca against England or DR Congo. For Mexico, the scoreline leaves them one step from that next round while their clean sheet still holds; for Ecuador, the margin means the comeback has to come fast.
Will Ecuador find a goal before full time, or will Mexico carry that scoreless record into the next round?
