Ten-man England survive siege of the Azteca to reach quarter-finals in World Cup classic
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- England secured a 3-2 victory over Mexico at Estadio Azteca to reach the World Cup quarter-finals, despite playing with 10 men after Jarell Quansah's red card in the second half.
- Jude Bellingham scored twice in a six-minute first-half burst, with Harry Kane adding a penalty, while Mexico fought back with goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez.
- England's defense, led by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford's crucial saves and a tactical shift to a defensive 5-4-0 formation, managed to withstand relentless Mexican pressure in the closing stages.
- The match featured several contentious moments including Quansah's red card and two penalties, with VAR playing a key role in confirming decisions, highlighting ongoing challenges in officiating standards.
- Mexico's spirited performance and passionate home support were praised despite their exit, with the team earning respect for their resilience and raising hopes for future tournaments.
