Mexico eliminated by England 3-2 in World Cup knockout round at Estadio Azteca
Mexico lost 3-2 to England in the World Cup round of 16 despite a home-field advantage and a man advantage in the second half, ending their hopes for a quarter-final appearance.
Mexico's World Cup campaign ended in the round of 16 on Sunday night as England defeated the host nation 3-2 at Estadio Azteca. The match, played before a crowd of 80,824 at the high-altitude venue, saw Mexico take a 2-0 lead before England scored twice in quick succession in the first half and added a third after Mexico was reduced to ten men for most of the second half.
Coach Javier Aguirre said the loss was painful but praised his players' effort. > "To dream and then fall like this hurts deeply, but the players should leave with their heads held high," he said.
The defeat prevents Mexico from reaching a quarter-final for the first time since it hosted the tournament in 1986; the team has been eliminated in the round of 16 eight times since then. Aguirre announced he will step down after the tournament, with former assistant Rafael Márquez slated to take over as head coach.
England's Jude Bellingham scored both of his goals within a 98-second span in the first half, breaking Mexico's record of not conceding in its first four World Cup matches. Fans expressed disappointment, noting the missed opportunity despite the favorable conditions.
