Mexico ended a 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout victory as first-half strikes from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez secured a 2-0 win over Ecuador at the Estadio Banorte.
The result carried Javier Aguirre's side into the Round of 16 and snapped an unwanted run of eight consecutive knockout-stage exits stretching back to 1986.
After a delay of an hour caused by a thunderstorm over the stadium, Mexico settled quickest and struck twice inside the opening half-hour to seize control.
Quiñones broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute, finishing off a sharp move after Roberto Alvarado picked him out inside the box.
Nine minutes later the lead was doubled as Jiménez converted from close range, this time turning provider Quiñones into an assist-maker.
Ecuador enjoyed the greater share of possession at 57 per cent and completed more passes, but their build-up rarely translated into clear chances against a disciplined Mexican defence.
The hosts were far sharper in the key areas, mustering 15 shots to Ecuador's seven and holding the edge on expected goals at 1.02 to 0.73.
The clean sheet was Mexico's fourth in a row at this tournament, a defensive record not matched since Italy in 1990 during a World Cup campaign's opening four games.
There was history of a different kind on the pitch, with 17-year-old Gilberto Mora starting the match before being replaced by Bruno Gutiérrez just before the hour.
Ecuador's frustration boiled over deep into stoppage time as Piero Hincapié was shown a straight red card following an altercation with substitute Santiago Giménez.
Alan Franco, Kendry Páez and Moisés Caicedo were also booked as tempers frayed in an increasingly ill-tempered finish for the eliminated South Americans.
Mexico top Group A with a perfect nine points and now turn their attention to the last 16, where they await the winner of England against DR Congo at the Estadio Banorte on July 5.
Ecuador, who finished their group campaign on four points, bow out of the tournament after failing to find a way past a resolute Mexican rearguard.
