The entire Estadio Azteca—and perhaps all of Mexico—breathed a long sigh of relief on Tuesday night.
Mexico won its first knockout stage match in 40 years, ending a long and painful drought in World Cup play. The 2–0 win at the historic venue came against a gritty, defense-minded Ecuador that would not relent until the last moment, stepping on the gas in the second half in particular. El Tri successfully weathered the storm, though, proving it has what it takes to make a historic run on home soil this summer.
