Mexico set up a mouthwatering FIFA U-17 World Cup semi-final showdown
against Nigeria after eliminating Ecuador with a 2-0 win in Coquimbo.
Claudio Zamudio’s first half strike and Bryan Salazar’s penalty after
the break saw off the South Americans, who fail to go one better than
their only previous quarter-final appearance at this level in 1995.
The Mexicans were swift out of the blocks, controlling the ball well
and attacking Ecuador dangerously in the opening moments. Most notably
Eduardo Aguirre came within inches of opening the scoring within the
first minute after a cross-shot flashed wide.
Ecuador began to grow in stature, though with the electric Jhon
Pereira breaking free of the Mexican defence before hitting a toe-punt
shot which Abraham Romero got down to turn round the post.
It was the two-time U-17 World Cup champions who took the lead
though, with Zamudio slotting home from inside the penalty area after
Salazar nodded down a deep free-kick.
El Tri doubled their advantage just after the interval when No20
fouled No20 in the Ecuadorian penalty area. Jean Pena brought down
Mexican substitute Jose Gurrola, and Salazar stepped up to slot past
Jose Cevallos in the Ecuador goal.
The remainder of the game saw Mexico retain the ball for long spells,
rarely troubled by the Ecuador attack. Mario Arteaga’s side head to
Concepcion for their final four clash against the four-time champions – a
truly remarkable game in prospect
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