The curse is lifted.
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.
A stoppage-time red card to defender Piero Hincapie for covering his mouth during an altercation added insult to injury for Ecuador on the night.
Mexico’s knockout struggles have been well-documented for years.
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El Tri fell in the round of 16 – the first knockout hurdle – in seven consecutive World Cups from 1994 to 2018. They failed to advance beyond the group stage four years ago.
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.
But no longer.
Javier Aguirre’s side will play either England or DR Congo in the last 16. That contest is slated for July 5.
The opening kickoff Tuesday was delayed by one hour due to inclement weather in Mexico City, which will also host the team’s next game.
Win or lose, that will be Mexico’s last match on home soil at this tournament. The team would head to the United States for any subsequent games, beginning with the quarterfinals.
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