Mexico cruised into the last 16 of the World Cup with a comfortable victory over Ecuador in a weather-delayed contest at the Azteca Stadium.
Goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez gave the co-hosts a healthy advantage in a breathless first half and they produced a controlled display after the break to see the job through.
It means manager Javier Aguirre’s side will again have the advantage of playing in Mexico City, when they meet either England or DR Congo in the next round on Sunday evening (02:00 BST on Monday).
A thunderstorm in Mexico’s capital had pushed the kick-off back by an hour but once the storm clouds cleared, Ecuador found themselves unable to contend with the fervent atmosphere and a home side that started like a whirlwind.
Mexico carved out four chances inside the first 10 minutes and while John Yeboah hit the woodwork for Ecuador, they were distinctly second best and unable to match Mexico’s intensity all over the pitch.
It was as strong a start as Mexico have made to any World Cup game in terms of chances created since the 1966 edition, and their passionate supporters did not have to wait long to be rewarded with an opening goal.
Colombia-born winger Quinones escaped down the left and cut inside before dispatching an unerring shot beyond Ecuador goalkeeper Hernan Galindez and into the roof of the net.
It was Quinones’ third goal of the tournament and he turned provider shortly after when Wolves forward Jimenez found the top corner to ruthlessly punish a mistake by Ecuador centre-back Joel Ordonez on the edge of his own penalty area.
Sebastian Beccacece’s side improved considerably after half-time but Gonzalo Plata’s flick wide was the closest they came to reducing their arrears.
And an already disappointing affair for Ecuador ended on a sour note when, with the game over as a contest, Piero Hincapie become the second player at this tournament after Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron to be shown a red card for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent in stoppage time.
