Teenage prodigy Gilberto Mora has his name engraved in fifa world cup Mexico ended a 40-year wait for a knockout victory with a 2-0 victory over Ecuador in the last 32, becoming the second youngest player to start in a World Cup knockout round.Moura, 17 years and 259 days old, joins an exclusive list headed only by Brazilian legend Pele, who was just 17 years and 239 days old when he started in the famous 1958 World Cup quarter-final against Wales. The teenage star played a key role in Mexico’s dynamic start as the hosts dominated Ecuador before goals from Julian Quiñones and Raul Jimenez sealed their place in the last 16.
Moura and Pele create exclusive World Cup history together
Mora had no trouble announcing her decision on the biggest stage. After kick-off was delayed an hour due to bad weather, the youngster threatened twice in the opening 15 minutes as Mexico flew out of the box.According to FIFA, Moura is now the second 17-year-old to start in the knockout stages of a World Cup, following Pelé’s iconic appearance for Brazil in 1958.The midfielder broke another national record earlier in the tournament by becoming Mexico’s youngest-ever World Cup starter, further underlining why he is regarded as one of the country’s brightest young talents. Mora’s rise has been dramatic. The Tijuana midfielder became the youngest player to score on his debut in Mexico’s top flight at 15, and later became the youngest player to represent his country at 16.
Mexico finally ends four-year knockout spell
While Mora is making headlines with his record, Mexico celebrates equally historic team achievement.Quinones broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute when he received a perfectly timed through ball before driving an unstoppable shot past Hernán Galíndez. The striker doubled Mexico’s advantage after just nine minutes when he converted Jimenez’s assist.Mexico easily held on to their lead after the break, with defenders Cesar Montes and John Vázquez doing well to tidy up the defence, and goalkeeper Raul Rangel keeping his fourth consecutive clean sheet of the World Cup.The victory marked El Tri’s first World Cup knockout victory since defeating Bulgaria in 1986, also ending one of the longest winless streaks in World Cup history with a 2-0 scoreline.Mexico will now face the winner of the last-32 tie between England and Democratic Republic of Congo, boosting their confidence after ending a 40-year knockout drought.
