England Survive Mexico Test in Thrilling Match to Advance to the Quarter-Finals
England has advanced to the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup after defeating co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a thrilling encounter at the Estadio Azteca. The match, delayed by an hour, saw the Three Lions extend their unbeaten run to seven games.
The opening 15 minutes were tense, with Mexico's Raul Jimenez having an excellent close-range diving header saved by Jordan Pickford. England's first opportunity arrived after the hydration break, but Anthony Gordon's effort was comfortably saved by Raul Rangel.
England took the lead after 36 minutes when Bukayo Saka's cross found Jude Bellingham, who headed the ball home. Bellingham struck again two minutes later, meeting a square pass from Harry Kane to slot the ball into the net.
Mexico halved the deficit before the interval through Julian Quinones, who drew level as the country's leading all-time World Cup goalscorer. The hosts came close to levelling the game before half-time, but Pickford pulled off an outstanding save to tip Jimenez's headed effort over the bar.
The second half was no less eventful, with England being reduced to 10 men after Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card. Despite this, the Three Lions regained their two-goal cushion on the hour mark thanks to a calmly converted Kane penalty.
Mexico were awarded a penalty after a foul committed by Kane, and Jimenez stepped up to take the spot-kick and steered the ball home. The hosts threw everything at the England defence in the closing stages, but the Three Lions clung on to win.
England will now meet Norway in the last eight on Saturday at the Miami Stadium, continuing their quest to end 60 years of hurt. Mexico's 12-match unbeaten run has come to an end, extending their wait for a first quarter-final appearance since 1986. Jude Bellingham was the standout player, scoring two goals to help England secure the win.
The opening 15 minutes were tense, with Mexico's Raul Jimenez having an excellent close-range diving header saved by Jordan Pickford. England's first opportunity arrived after the hydration break, but Anthony Gordon's effort was comfortably saved by Raul Rangel.
England took the lead after 36 minutes when Bukayo Saka's cross found Jude Bellingham, who headed the ball home. Bellingham struck again two minutes later, meeting a square pass from Harry Kane to slot the ball into the net.
Mexico halved the deficit before the interval through Julian Quinones, who drew level as the country's leading all-time World Cup goalscorer. The hosts came close to levelling the game before half-time, but Pickford pulled off an outstanding save to tip Jimenez's headed effort over the bar.
The second half was no less eventful, with England being reduced to 10 men after Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card. Despite this, the Three Lions regained their two-goal cushion on the hour mark thanks to a calmly converted Kane penalty.
Mexico were awarded a penalty after a foul committed by Kane, and Jimenez stepped up to take the spot-kick and steered the ball home. The hosts threw everything at the England defence in the closing stages, but the Three Lions clung on to win.
England will now meet Norway in the last eight on Saturday at the Miami Stadium, continuing their quest to end 60 years of hurt. Mexico's 12-match unbeaten run has come to an end, extending their wait for a first quarter-final appearance since 1986. Jude Bellingham was the standout player, scoring two goals to help England secure the win.
#News, #Football