Ten-man England earned its greatest World Cup victory on foreign soil by defeating co-host Mexico at Estadio Azteca, banishing the ghost of Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” in the same stadium 40 years ago.England will next face Norway — which shocked Brazil 2-1 yesterday.
Looking to join them in the quarterfinals will be the U.S., boosted by the reversal of top goal scorer Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban, after an intervention to FIFA from the president.Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscriptionGet exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading.World Cup RecapMuch had been made in the buildup to the Mexico-England round of 16 clash of the unfavorable conditions for the away team — not only that Thomas Tuchel’s squad would not have time to adjust to the oxygen-sapping 7,352-foot altitude, but also El Tri’s formidable record at the Azteca (played 89 competitive games, won 70, drawn 17 and lost two).
But England, despite having only 33.2% possession, made a mockery of both in the wildest match of the tournament so far that saw five goals, seven cards — including one red — two penalty kicks and multiple momentum twists.Roberto Alvarado of Mexico competes for the ball against Nico O'Reilly and Anthony Gordon of England during the match between Mexico and England on July 5.Osvaldo Aguilar / FIFA via Getty ImagesEngland achieved its first task by shutting out Mexico, known for its fast starts in this tournament, in the first “quarter” up to the hydration break.Then, at 36 minutes, Jude Bellingham put England in the lead after Declan Rice dribbled unchallenged for 60 yards before passing to Bukayo Saka, who crossed for the Real Madrid man to head home.
It was the first time Mexico had conceded in this tournament.Ninety-eight seconds later, a tenacious England stole the ball in the Mexico half, allowing Bellingham to play a one-two with Harry Kane and tap home to make it 2-0.
The plan for the Three Lions, then, was not to concede befo...