Mexico Delight Home Fans To Reach Last 16 With Win Over Ecuador

MEXICO CITY, July 1(Bernama-dpa) -- Co-hosts Mexico had an explosive first half to beat Ecuador 2-0 on Tuesday and reach the last 16 of the World Cup, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

The Mexicans will play again in Mexico City and face the winner of Wednesday's clash between England and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Taking advantage of the very loud fan support, Mexico seemed unstoppable in the first 45 minutes of the match, which started one hour later than originally planned due to adverse weather conditions.

The home side took a deserved lead in the 22nd through Julian Quiñones, who scored the first goal of this year's tournament.

Quiñones latched onto a ball and drove into the box, cutting onto the right before unleashing a mighty strike inside the near post.

Raul Jimenez doubled their lead in the 31st after a defensive mess from the opponents. Ecuador gifted him the ball on the edge of the box and Jimenez played a one-two with Quiñones before blasting his effort into the net.

The pace slowed down after the break and Mexico's best chance to add a third came in the 67th, when Jimenez's volley was blocked and Cesar Montes' header from the resulting corner was tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Hernan Galindez.

Ecuador's participation in the World Cup ended with an unnecessary red card as Piero Hincapie was sent off after he covered his mouth in a heated exchange with Santiago Gimenez.

-- BERNAMA-dpa