World Cup Live Update: Did Mexico Win Today? Minute-by-Minute Breakdown of England's Win
The match unfolded with relentless pace from the opening whistle. England drew first blood in the 18th minute, capitalizing on a defensive turnover near the edge of the Mexican penalty box with a sharp low finish into the bottom right corner.
In the 39th minute, England doubled their cushion. A swift counterattack caught Mexico's fullbacks out of position, leaving an open channel for an uncontested header past the stranded goalkeeper. Azteca fell quiet, and Mexico went into the break staring at elimination.
Mexico emerged transformed for the second half. High pressing forced an English turnover in the 54th minute, allowing Mexico's forward line to score with an emphatic strike inside the box. In the 71st minute, the stadium erupted when Mexico converted a rebound off a set piece to level the score at 2, 2.
The parity did not last. Pushing for a regulation winner left Mexico exposed at the back. In the 84th minute, England exploited a broken midfield structure, slipping a decisive pass behind the defensive line for a composed finish that sealed the 3, 2 result.
