SOCCER: Mexico end knockout hoodoo with win over Ecuador to reach World Cup last 16

MEXICO CITY — Mexico ended a 40-year wait for a FIFA World Cup knockout-stage victory after defeating Ecuador, 2-0, on Tuesday at a packed Azteca Stadium.

First-half goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez secured the victory, sending the co-hosts into the Round of 16 for the first time since their 1986 home tournament, when they defeated Bulgaria in the knockout stage.

Mexico will face either England or the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the next round, with the match set to be the final World Cup game played at Azteca Stadium during the tournament.

Kickoff was delayed by an hour because of thunderstorms, but more than 80,000 fans created an electric atmosphere once play began.

Mexico threatened early through Jimenez and teenager Gilberto Mora before Ecuador nearly broke the deadlock when John Yeboah struck the outside of the post during a counterattack.

The hosts opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when Roberto Alvarado threaded a pass to Quinones, who shrugged off his defender before firing into the top corner for his third goal of the tournament.

Jimenez doubled Mexico's lead nine minutes later after Ecuador lost possession near its penalty area. The striker combined with Quinones before blasting a first-time shot into the top corner for his 47th international goal, moving within five of Javier Hernandez's all-time Mexico scoring record.

Ecuador pushed forward after halftime but struggled to create clear scoring chances against Mexico's disciplined defense, which has yet to concede a goal in the tournament.

Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel made a key save to deny Yeboah before Hernan Galindez prevented the hosts from extending their lead with an impressive stop from Cesar Montes.

Coach Javier Aguirre later substituted Quinones, Jimenez, and 17-year-old Mora, who received a standing ovation after becoming the youngest player to start a World Cup match since Pele.

Ecuador's frustration grew late in the match when defender Piero Hincapie was sent off with a red card after an altercation with Santiago Gimenez.

As the final whistle sounded, Mexico's players celebrated with supporters, who sang the mariachi classic "El Rey" throughout the stadium.

Aguirre praised his team's performance, particularly in the opening half, and said Sunday's Round of 16 match would be the biggest game in the history of the Mexican national team and his coaching career. -Reporting by Christian Radnedge and Janina Nuno Rios, Editing by Ken Ferris/Reuters