40-year curse buried, Mexico march into round of 16

Mexico destroy a 40-year curse

You are in the round of 16 – and it means more than just advancing. Mexico 2–0 Ecuador at the Azteca, and for the first time in 40 years your team will play a fifth match at a World Cup (8) (9). The "quinto partido" curse is dead. "México ao quinto jogo!" read the headline in Portugal's Record (8). Forty years of pain, gone on Tuesday night.

Quiñones and Jiménez deliver under the storm

The match was delayed by weather, kick-off pushed back as rain hammered the Azteca (14) (15). When it finally started, Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored the goals that sent Mexico through (2) (6). The clean sheet streak stays alive: your team still has not conceded a single goal at this World Cup (4). Four wins, zero goals against.

Hincapie sees red under new FIFA rule

Ecuador went down to 10 men. Piero Hincapie was sent off for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent, the second player dismissed under FIFA's new "Prestianni Law" at this tournament (11). The rule punishes players who cover their mouths to hide what they are saying on the pitch (10).

England could be next

The bracket is taking shape. Mexico's round-of-16 opponent is not confirmed yet, but England are a strong possibility (7). The Azteca will host again. Aguirre has already called on the crowd to make the difference, and after Tuesday night, that home advantage feels real.