The 40-year streak is over. And that means I won’t get any sleep tonight because, yes, I’m in Mexico City for the summer.
CDMX is in full celebration mode after the Mexican national team secured its first knockout stage win in 40 years with a dominant 2-0 win over Ecuador on Tuesday night at the famed Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. El Tri had not accomplished the feat since 1986.
The writing appeared to be on the wall from the start. Mexico’s relentless attack nearly netted two goals in the opening minutes. The boisterous crowd wouldn’t have to wait long to really let loose after Julián Quiñones scored on a breakaway in the 22nd minute. Less than 10 minutes later, Raúl Jiménez took a pass from the top of the box and caught Ecuador’s goalkeeper flat-footed to sneak a blistering shot past him. To Mexico’s credit, the attack didn’t let up. Though El Tri didn’t find a third goal, they kept Ecuador on its heels the entire night.
With the historic win, Mexico moves on to play one more game at Estadio Azteca on Sunday night against the winner of England and the DR Congo.
As for Ecuador, it didn’t get the warmest welcome in CDMX. Thousands of fans camped outside of the team’s hotel and blasted music, played drums, chanted all night, and even set off fireworks.
As I’m writing this post, there’s non-stop honking and chanting on the street outside of my condo, which is situated in Mexico’s trendiest neighborhood. The blaring speakers from the cars cruising by shake my windows. My English bulldog’s head turns, and she scampers to the window when drivers honk their horns.
It’s been like this after every Mexico win, only it’s intensified after each victory.
France and Norway also move on
Elsewhere in the World Cup, France shut out Sweden 3-0 behind goals from Kylian Mbappé, who now leads the Golden Boot race.
France, a finalist who lost to Argentina in the World Cup Final in 2022, will face Paraguay on Saturday. France is heavily favored against a Paraguay team that sneaked past Germany on penalty kicks for the upset win.
Not far behind Mbappé in the Golden Boot race is Norway’s Erling Haaland, whose late goal in the 86th minute on Tuesday helped Norway knock out Ivory Coast to secure a 2-1 win.
Haaland’s goal proved historic, as Norway would go on to win for the first time in a World Cup knockout round. The last time Norway advanced out of group play was in 1998, but they were eliminated in the knockout stage by Italy.
Norway also plays on Sunday against world power Brazil at MetLife Stadium.
