Mexico won a World Cup knockout match for the first time since 1986 on Tuesday, defeating Ecuador 2-0 at the Estadio Azteca to reach the last 16 at this summer’s tournament.
Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored within the opening 31 minutes to send an already excited home crowd into a total frenzy. Ecuador created little of note despite chasing the game for roughly an hour, and couldn’t breach a Mexican defense that is yet to concede a goal through four games.
The “quinto partido” curse – Spanish for “fifth game” – was coined to reference Mexico’s inability to win a knockout match and reach the fifth game at a World Cup since the nation last hosted the event 40 years ago.
Javier Aguirre’s side will play either England or DR Congo in the last 16. That contest is slated for July 5.