Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 to reach World Cup last 16 and end knockout hoodoo

Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 to reach World Cup last 16 and end knockout hoodoo MEXICO CITY, June 30 : Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 to advance to the last 16 of the World Cup on Tuesday, with first-half goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez giving the co-hosts their first knockout-stage victory at the tournament in 40 years. • Mexico forward Quinones gave his side the lead in the 22nd minute of the Round of 32 clash after driving into the box from the left and firing the ball inside the near post. • Javier Aguirre's side doubled their advantage less than 10 minutes later when Jimenez played a one-two with Quinones and smashed it into the top right corner. • Ecuador dominated possession in the second half but could not produce any clear-cut chances, as Mexico maintained their record of not conceding in this year's tournament. • Defender Piero Hincapie was sent off for Ecuador in stoppage time for covering his mouth. • The match was delayed by one hour due to adverse weather conditions around the Azteca Stadium. • Mexico will play either England or the Democratic Republic of Congo at the same venue on Sunday.