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Mexico’s long wait for a memorable World Cup knockout victory finally ended on a historic night at the Estadio Azteca.

Raúl Jiménez and Julián Quiñones delivered decisive finishes as El Tri secured a 2-0 win over Ecuador, advancing to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 1986. The result sent waves of jubilation through the stadium, marking the end of a four-decade drought.

Roberto Alvarado etched his name into World Cup history by becoming the first Mexico player to provide three assists in a single tournament match. He was instrumental once again, expertly linking play in attack and creating key openings for Jiménez, Quiñones, and the young Gilberto Mora.

At just 17 years and 259 days old, Mora was a surprise inclusion in the starting XI and responded with remarkable maturity. His composure belied his age, making him the second-youngest player ever to start a World Cup knockout fixture, behind only Pelé, who did so at 17 years and 239 days in 1958.

Here’s how Mexico’s players were rated in their landmark victory over Ecuador at the Estadio Azteca.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Raúl Rangel — 7/10: Produced a crucial first-half save to deny John Yeboah’s powerful left-footed strike, keeping Mexico level at halftime. His stop gave the team the composure they needed to settle into the match.

Jorge Sánchez — 7/10: Defensively solid and confident throughout. One of his most composed performances in a Mexico shirt, handling his flank with assurance.

César Montes — 7/10: Came close to scoring from a corner only for Hernán Galíndez to make a fine save. Steady defensively, providing balance alongside Johan Vásquez.

Johan Vásquez — 7/10: Reliable at the back, though he could have been quicker with his passing. Still, his defensive interventions were key to managing Ecuador’s pressing game.

Jesús Gallardo — 6/10: A quieter outing, yet his defensive discipline and timely clearances ensured Mexico maintained their clean sheet.

Midfield

Érik Lira — 7/10: A vocal presence in midfield, throwing himself into challenges and setting the tone for Mexico’s intensity. His energy added bite to El Tri’s central unit.

Luis Romo — 7/10: Has become a consistent influence over recent matches. His partnership with Lira continues to provide a dependable platform for Mexico’s attackers to operate from.

Gilberto Mora — 8/10: Smiling and relaxed before kickoff, Mora played with freedom and flair. His movement unsettled Ecuador’s back line and opened up new attacking channels for Mexico in the final third.

Attack

Roberto Alvarado — 8/10: Outstanding in a more central role, constantly troubling Ecuador’s defence. His assist for Quiñones’ goal capped a record-setting display, as he became the first Mexican ever to register three assists in one World Cup game.

Raúl Jiménez — 7/10: Netted his second goal of the tournament with composed finishing. Showed leadership by linking up play and setting the tone for Mexico’s attack.

Julián Quiñones — 8/10: Calm and composed on the ball, often dropping deep to help build attacks. His clinical goal reaffirmed his status as Mexico’s most decisive forward this tournament.

Substitutes & Manager

Obed Vargas — 6/10: Provided extra cover in midfield, supporting Lira as Mexico closed out the game. Kept things simple and effective.

Santiago Giménez — 6/10: Tried to get involved despite coming on late when Mexico were already managing the result. His movement still asked questions of the Ecuador defence.

Brian Gutiérrez — 5/10: Struggled to replicate Mora’s influence. Found it difficult to impose himself in the attacking third.

Orbelín Pineda — 7/10: Injected energy and almost scored a spectacular goal to make it 3-0. Played a key role in sustaining Mexico’s tempo late on.

Israel Reyes — 6/10: Came on as part of a defensive reshuffle and helped stabilise the back line. Worked well with Vásquez and Montes to see out the win.

Javier Aguirre — 9/10: Another masterclass from the touchline. His bold choice to start Mora transformed Mexico’s attacking structure and gave Alvarado more freedom to create. Aguirre has restored belief in the squad and achieved what no Mexico manager had managed since 1986 — a World Cup knockout stage victory.