Following a delay due to thunderstorms at the Estadio Azteca, Mexico quickly took control of the match. Julián Quiñones netted a stunning goal in the 22nd minute, marking his third goal in this tournament.
Just nine minutes later, Mexico increased their lead when Quiñones created a turnover and assisted Raúl Jiménez, who finished with composure. Although Ecuador maintained possession in the second half, they were unable to penetrate Mexico’s organized defense.
In stoppage time, Piero Hincapié received a red card following a VAR review, in line with the tournament’s new rules against players covering their mouths during disputes.
Mexico sealed a flawless FIFA World Cup group stage with a 3-0 victory over Czech Republic at the Estadio Azteca, securing their advancement to the knockout round as the top team in Group A.
This victory allows Softfootball to report that Mexico progresses to the Round of 16, where they will compete against the winner of England versus DR Congo.
Player Ratings
Mexico
| Player | Rating |
|---|---|
| Raúl Rangel | 7.0 |
| Jorge Sánchez | 7.0 |
| Johan Vásquez | 7.5 |
| César Montes | 7.5 |
| Jesús Gallardo | 6.5 |
| Gilberto Mora | 7.0 |
| Luis Romo | 7.0 |
| Érik Lira | 6.5 |
| Roberto Alvarado | 7.5 |
| Raúl Jiménez | 7.5 |
| Julián Quiñones | 8.5 (Player of the Match) |
| Subs: Santiago Giménez (6.0), Israel Reyes (6.0), Orbelín Pineda (6.0), Obed Vargas (6.0), Brian Gutiérrez (6.5) |
Ecuador
| Player | Rating |
|---|---|
| Hernán Galíndez | 5.5 |
| Alan Franco | 5.5 |
| Willian Pacho | 6.5 |
| Joel Ordóñez | 5.0 |
| Piero Hincapié | 5.5 (Red Card) |
| John Yeboah | 7.0 |
| Moisés Caicedo | 6.5 |
| Pedro Vite | 6.0 |
| Nilson Angulo | 6.5 |
| Enner Valencia | 5.5 |
| Gonzalo Plata | 6.0 |
| Subs: Ángel Preciado (6.5), Jordy Caicedo (6.0), Kevin Rodríguez (6.0), Kendry Páez (6.0), Yaimar Medina (6.0) |
Match Statistics
| Statistic | Mexico | Ecuador |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 47% | 53% |
| Total Shots | 12 | 9 |
| Shots on Target | 5 | 3 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 1.76 | 0.92 |
| Fouls Committed | 13 | 15 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 3 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 1 |
| Corners | 5 | 4 |
| Saves | 3 | 3 |
