An incredible half of football.

It's been so intense I feel like I've done a 5k.

Urged on by their fans, Mexico flew out of the blocks and two goals in nine minutes from Julian Quinones, driving down the left and then lashing inside the post, and then Raul Jimenez, pouncing on a loose ball, getting it back and then firing a rocket into the top corner from 20 yards, have them bound for the last-16 as things stand.

Ecuador looked rattled, by the intensity, the atmosphere, perhaps the entire trip, but have also spurned plenty of decent set-piece opportunities while John Yeboah clipped the post and saw another fine shot saved by Raul Rangel.

The hour's delay to kick-off ramped things up a couple of notches for the hosts, I suspect.

Ecuador are not quite out of this, but they'll need to get one back, and quickly.

Efan Ekoku
Former Nigeria striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

Super cutback from Sanchez, waiting and waiting to find his team-mates and looking for Jimenez. He found him but they couldn't convert in the end.

Again though, Ecuador's backline is not looking great. They are really shaky.

Alan Franco of Ecuador becomes the first man in the book after a late challenge in midfield.

Another glimpse of goal for Raul Jimenez as the ball is cut back to him on the volley on the edge of the box but he can't hit it cleanly and it skids past the post.

We're into FIVE added minutes at the end of the half.

Good cross from Gilberto Mora, scampering down the right, he stands it up for Raul Jimenez who rises above Joel Ordonez but can only plant his header over the bar.

Jimenez is playing in the Championship next season. Let that sink in.

Efan Ekoku
Former Nigeria striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

That was a good shot from Yeboah, but it was curling towards the goalkeeper. He didn't quite get the angle to hit it past Rangel.

Yeboah has looked the most lively out of all the Ecuador players.

Another Ecuador corner, another deep delivery from Moises Caicedo, another good punch from Raul Rangel at the back stick.

This little spell has quietened the home fans just a touch, though their cheers have turned to boos.

Another corner is met by the head of Piero Hincapie at the near post but he can only divert over the bar.

Better from Ecuador.

It's John Yeboah again who lets fly from the right of the box but Raul Rangel dives to his right to turn his rising effort around the post with two hands.

The corner comes to nothing, once again.

Moises Caicedo has the chance to whip a free-kick into the Mexico box from a free-kick but gets it all wrong and the ball sails out of play.

Efan Ekoku
Former Nigeria striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

So many things could happen between now and the end of the game, even before half time. It is difficult to beat Mexico on home soil though, especially when they are up.

Ecuador have just been unable to match fire with fire.

Roberto Alvarado needs some treatment, or at least says he does, after an innocuous coming together with Moises Caicedo in the middle of the park.

Whether it's England or DR Congo, anyone getting Mexico at the Azteca in the next round is going to have to be mentally strong.

I thought Ecuador were, they conceded five goals in 18 qualifiers, but they have just been blown away by the energy of this team and crowd as much as anything...

Ecuador trying to get something going and win their first corner of the game but Moises Caicedo's corner is punched away by Raul Rangel.

Efan Ekoku
Former Nigeria striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

Image source, Getty Images

Ecuador have absolutely been run ragged. So surprising for a team we've spoke about being a strong defensive unit to be all over the place. Where are the back four? They've had a terrible evening so far.

Jimenez just fires that one in. Top corner and Galindez had no chance of reaching that one.

Raul Jimenez has just produced the most comedy fall, over the course of a good 20 yards.

He gets a nudge off balance from Joel Ordonez while running at full pelt and tries to stay up but his body betrays him and he goes down in instalments and ends up doing a roly-poly.

Efan Ekoku
Former Nigeria striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

Ecuador's defence wasn't great. They gave Julian Quinones far too much room for a man who has been on form.

Deep and meaningful team talk on the Ecuador sideline with Sebastien Beccacece calmly issuing instructions.

The only calm man in the place, but that's probably helpful for his players.

We're getting back under way.