Mexico ended a 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout stage win with a commanding 2-0 victory against Ecuador on Tuesday, fueled by a brilliant performance of Julian Quinones, who scored one goal and set up another to send El Tri into the Round of 16.
Mexico dominated in front of a packed, passionate audience at Estadio Azteca and finally managed to convert their dominance into goals with a Colombian-born forward whose path made the night even more surreal.
And then the breakthrough came after a long first period that Ecuador had defended strongly and looked dangerous on the attack. Mexico had to press and their persistence was rewarded when Quinones took some space in the penalty area and calmly slotted home the opening goal, sending the home supporters into wild celebrations.
The stadium erupted as thousands of fans chanted Quinones’ name, recognizing the importance of the goal that put Mexico on course for its first World Cup knockout victory since 1986.
Ecuador pushed forward in the second half in the hope of an equaliser but Mexico’s disciplined defence had their way. Quinones turned provider and made a perfect pass to Mexico’s second goal to secure qualification for the Round of 16.
The last whistle brought tears to the players’ eyes as they hugged on the pitch and the fans erupted in celebration that cemented Mexico’s World Cup hopes.
From Barefoot Child to National Hero
Quinones' match-winning performance was the latest chapter in one of football’s greatest stories.
Born in Magui Payan, a small town in Colombia’s war-ravaged Telembí Triangle, Quinones grew up in extreme poverty. His father left the family when he was a baby and his mother was trying to support the family while working at a local shop.
Quinones, who could not afford football boots, spent much of his childhood playing barefoot.
His childhood coach Cesar Valencia would later tell us that all of these tough years really taught him the balance, strength and agility that characterize his playing style today. Valencia recognized his talent and bought him his first pair of football boots with his own money.
A trial with Colombia's Futbol Paz academy opened the door to professional football before Mexican giants Tigres UANL brought him to Mexico, where he established himself as one of Liga MX's most prominent forwards.
Quinones became a Mexican citizen in 2023, and he committed his international future to El Tri despite being racially abused for most of his club career. Instead of going public for his response, he let his performances speak for him.
Saudi Success Before World Cup Brilliance
In 2024, the forward joined the Saudi Pro League and had a good season scoring 33 league goals to finish ahead of world names Cristiano Ronaldo and Ivan Toney in the scoring charts.
Even so, Quinones remained grounded. "I am nobody to compete with him. Just tell me how many fans I have," he said when asked about comparisons with Ronaldo.
Mexico Dreaming Again
Quinones’ goal and assist not only gave Mexico a famous 2-0 victory over Ecuador but also an important part of the story of Mexico’s World Cup history.
After waiting four decades for a knockout stage win, El Tri now go into the Round of 16 full of confidence and Julian Quinones is the image of belief, resilience and the new face of Mexican football.
