If history were any guide, Ecuador would be in trouble, but if we’re judging by the present, the powerful momentum that propelled La Tri to the World Cup round of 32 this Tuesday at Azteca Stadium is just as strong as the spirit in Mexico after a perfect group stage.
The clear leader, having secured first place with one matchday to spare, finished the three-match series with an equal number of wins, six goals scored, and none conceded—all compelling reasons—but one cannot underestimate an opponent that went into the third matchday virtually eliminated and staged a comeback with a surprising 2-1 victory over Germany.
Mexico boasts a long history of dominance
All in all, the team’s consistent performance against the underdog leaves a sense of balance heading into the Round of 32 match at the World Cup.
And when it comes to track record, the Mexican national team has more than enough reasons to be confident.
The two countries faced off in the group stage of the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan, with Mexico winning 2-1 on goals by Jared Borgetti and Gerardo Torrado.
In total, Mexico and Ecuador have faced each other seven times in official matches: once in the 2002 World Cup and six times in the Copa América.
The Mexicans have emerged victorious five times, including a penalty shootout in the 1997 continental tournament.
And in their most recent matchup, they tied in 2024. The Ecuadorians’ only victory came at the 2015 Copa América.
This Tuesday, the match between Mexico and Ecuador will put to the test a tradition the hosts have maintained ever since they hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cups up to the present day:
They never lost a game at the Azteca.
In 1970, he had two wins and one tie.
In 1986, they won three matches—including one in the round of 16—and tied one. And in this tournament, they have three wins (Filed under: Mexico vs. Ecuador).
The Azteca will be the Mexican national team’s greatest ally
The Coloso de Santa Úrsula will be more packed than ever this Tuesday as fans cheer on Javier Aguirre’s players to make history.
The winner of this round of 32 match will advance to the round of 16, where they will face the winner of the match between England and Senegal.
Ecuador hopes to reach the round of 16 for the second time in its history, just as it did at the 2006 World Cup.
But the challenge doesn’t end there.
In the backfield, Johan Vásquez leads the way, backed by the experience of Edson Álvarez.
In midfield, Erik Lira and Álvaro Fidalgo stand out for their mobility, and up front, Julián Quiñones is known for his effectiveness.
Ecuador can upset that balance thanks to its vertical play.
Gonzalo Plata’s speed is the main driving force on offense, in combination with Enner Valencia.
The problem for the players coached by Argentine head coach Sebastián Beccacece is their lack of scoring power.
They scored only two goals in the group stage, as they need to create as many as 23 chances to score (Filed under: Mexico vs. Ecuador).
Mexico boasts historical dominance
NuevaOnda.com
Probable Lineups
Mexico: Raúl Rangel; Jorge Sánchez, Edson Álvarez, Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo; Erik Lira, Álvaro Fidalgo, Brian Gutiérrez; Roberto Alvarado, Raúl Jiménez, Julián Quiñones.
Head Coach: Javier Aguirre.
Ecuador: Hernán Galíndez; Joel Ordóñez, Willian Pacho, Piero Hincapié; Alan Franco, Moisés Caicedo, Pedro Vite, John Yeboah, Nilson Angulo; Gonzalo Plata, Enner Valencia.
Head Coach: Sebastián Beccacece.
Referee: to be designated.
Time: 7:00 p.m. local time (1:00 a.m. GMT on Wednesday).
Broadcast in the U.S.: FOX and Telemundo, as well as via streaming on platforms such as Peacock and Fubo.
Stadium: Mexico City, known as Azteca.
With information from EFE
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