The young prodigy Gilberto Mora carved his name in: FIFA World Cup history after becoming the second-youngest player to start a World Cup knockout match, while Mexico ended a 40-year wait for a knockout victory with a commanding 2-0 victory over Ecuador in the Round of 32.At 17 years and 259 days, Mora joins an exclusive list headed only by Brazilian legend Pelé, who was 17 years and 239 days when he started Brazil’s famous 1958 World Cup quarter-final against Wales. The teenage sensation played a key role in Mexico’s strong opening as the co-hosts dominated Ecuador before goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez sealed a place in the Round of 16.
Mora joins Pele in exclusive World Cup history
Mora wasted little time in announcing himself on the biggest stage. The youngster threatened twice in the opening 15 minutes as Mexico flew out of the blocks after kickoff was delayed an hour due to bad weather.According to FIFA, Mora is now the second 17-year-old to start a World Cup knockout-stage game after Pelé’s iconic appearance for Brazil in 1958.The midfielder already broke another national record earlier in the tournament by becoming Mexico’s youngest World Cup starter, further highlighting why he is considered one of the country’s brightest young talents. Mora’s rise has been remarkable. The Tijuana midfielder became the youngest player to debut and score in Mexico’s top flight at the age of 15 and later the youngest player to represent the senior national side at the age of 16.
Mexico ended a four-decade knockout curse
While Mora grabbed the headlines for his record, Mexico celebrated the same historic team achievement.Quiñones broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute after racing to a perfectly timed through ball before whipping an unstoppable finish past Hernán Galíndez. Nine minutes later, the forward turned provider by setting up Jiménez to double Mexico’s advantage.Mexico comfortably protected their lead after the break, with defenders César Montes and Johan Vásquez doing well to guard the backline while goalkeeper Raúl Rangel completed his fourth consecutive clean sheet of the tournament.The win marked El Tri’s first World Cup knockout win since beating Bulgaria in 1986, also by a 2-0 scoreline, ending one of the longest losing streaks in the tournament’s history.Mexico will now face the winner of the England-DR Congo Round of 32 clash, with confidence boosted after ending their 40-year knockout drought.