BY KUNLE SOLAJA

Belgium will put their impressive unbeaten streak on the line when they face Senegal in a high-stakes FIFA World Cup Round of 32 encounter.

The Red Devils enter the match on a 16-game unbeaten run in international football, having recorded 10 victories and six draws during that sequence. Their consistency has reinforced their status as one of Europe’s most formidable sides heading into the knockout phase.

Senegal, however, have their own motivation.

The African giants are looking to halt a difficult run against European opposition at the World Cup, having suffered four consecutive defeats in such contests. A victory over Belgium would not only end that streak but also provide another memorable chapter in Senegal’s World Cup history.

The Teranga Lions have already demonstrated their attacking prowess and resilience during the tournament and will believe they possess the quality to challenge Belgium’s talented squad.

Belgium’s unbeaten momentum and Senegal’s determination to break a longstanding trend set the stage for a fascinating battle between two teams with genuine ambitions of progressing deep into the competition.

With a place in the Round of 16 at stake, neither side can afford any slip-ups as the knockout drama intensifies.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

 

 

BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

Three people died from suffocation after massive crowds flooded the streets of Mexico City to celebrate the national team’s historic World Cup victory over Ecuador, authorities said early Wednesday.

According to a Reuters report, the fatalities occurred near the iconic Angel of Independence monument, where thousands of jubilant supporters had gathered following Mexico’s 2-0 win over Ecuador in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup.

The victory at the Estadio Azteca ended a 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout-stage triumph and sent the tournament co-hosts into the Round of 16, triggering spontaneous celebrations across the capital.

According to Mexico City’s Health Secretariat, emergency teams responded to several incidents involving unconscious people around Paseo de la Reforma, the city’s main boulevard, which had been closed to traffic and transformed into a focal point for celebrations.

“After receiving advanced resuscitation efforts, the deaths of a 44-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman from suffocation have been confirmed,” the health authority said in an initial statement posted on social media.

In a later update, officials confirmed a third victim, a 48-year-old woman who suffered asphyxiation on a nearby street. She was transported to hospital but later died.

The tragedy unfolded amid scenes of widespread jubilation as supporters celebrated one of the most significant victories in Mexican football history. Fans waving flags, singing national songs and chanting in celebration filled the streets surrounding the Angel of Independence and along Paseo de la Reforma.

However, the festive atmosphere was overshadowed by images circulating on social media showing paramedics and emergency responders attending to distressed individuals lying on the ground in crowded areas near the celebrations.

Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada expressed condolences to the victims’ families and urged citizens to exercise caution during public celebrations.

“Always celebrate with responsibility, care, and empathy,” Brugada wrote on X.

The deaths cast a sombre shadow over what had been a night of national pride after Mexico finally broke a jinx that had lasted since 1986, when they last won a World Cup knockout match.

With a metropolitan population exceeding 20 million people, Mexico City is accustomed to hosting major public events and large-scale celebrations. Nevertheless, the sheer volume of supporters who poured into the city’s streets following Tuesday’s victory appeared to overwhelm parts of the celebration zone.

Authorities have not announced whether an investigation will be launched into the circumstances surrounding the crowd-related deaths.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

 

Fixture: Mexico vs Ecuador
Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico
Stage: FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32
Result: Mexico 2-0 Ecuador
Goals: Julian Quinones 22′, Raul Jimenez 31′
Attendance: Over 80,000
Weather: Kickoff delayed by one hour due to thunderstorms

Key Facts

• Mexico secured their first FIFA World Cup knockout-stage victory in 40 years.
• The last time Mexico won a World Cup knockout match was against Bulgaria at the 1986 World Cup, also played on home soil.
• The victory sends the co-hosts into the Round of 16, where they will face either England or DR Congo.
• Estadio Azteca will host its final match of the tournament when Mexico return for their next knockout fixture.
• Mexico remain yet to concede a goal at the 2026 World Cup.

Match Summary

Backed by a passionate home crowd that transformed the Azteca into a sea of green, Mexico produced one of their finest performances of the tournament to defeat Ecuador 2-0 and advance to the last 16.

The hosts dominated the opening stages, with Raul Jimenez heading narrowly wide before teenage sensation Gilberto Mora almost produced a spectacular opener from a tight angle.

Ecuador threatened briefly on the counterattack when John Yeboah struck the outside of the post, but Mexico soon took control.

Julian Quinones opened the scoring in the 22nd minute after latching onto Roberto Alvarado’s incisive pass, shrugging off defender Willian Pacho and blasting a powerful finish into the top corner for his third goal of the tournament.

Nine minutes later, Mexico doubled their advantage. Ecuador surrendered possession in a dangerous area and Jimenez combined brilliantly with Quinones before firing a first-time strike into the roof of the net for his 47th international goal.

The two-goal cushion allowed Mexico to play with growing confidence as Ecuador struggled to contain the hosts.

Historic Milestones

• Raul Jimenez’s goal was his 47th for Mexico, leaving him just five behind all-time leading scorer Javier Hernandez.
• Seventeen-year-old Gilberto Mora became the youngest player to start a World Cup match since Pele.
• Mexico extended their defensive record, remaining one of the few teams yet to concede a goal at the tournament.

Second-Half Story

Mexico supporters repeatedly chanted “Y si sí?” (“What if?”), the slogan that has become the team’s rallying cry during the tournament.

Although Ecuador enjoyed more possession after halftime, they rarely troubled goalkeeper Raul Rangel. Mexico continued to create chances, with captain Cesar Montes twice going close from set pieces.

Coach Javier Aguirre later withdrew Quinones, Jimenez and Mora to standing ovations from the home supporters.

Ecuador’s frustrations boiled over late in the game when defender Piero Hincapie was sent off as the South Americans’ World Cup campaign came to an end.

Coach’s Reaction

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre praised both his players and the supporters after the victory.

“A really good first half and in the second half we managed to stay calm behind the ball.”

Reflecting on the atmosphere inside the Azteca, Aguirre added:

“Judging by the atmosphere and how happy everyone is, I’m convinced there’s a real bond between the fans and the team.”

Looking ahead to the Round of 16, the veteran coach described the next challenge as the biggest of his career.

“Sunday’s game is the most important one in the history of the Mexican national team and in my career.”

What Next?

Mexico advance to the Round of 16 and will face the winner of the England versus DR Congo clash. With home support behind them and a defence yet to be breached, belief is growing that El Tri can continue their historic run on home soil.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H