From The Sports Desk: England wins in the Azteca

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.

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World Cup Recap

Much 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.

England 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 before halftime. But Mexico winger Julián Quiñones pounced on a loose ball after England’s defense failed to clear a free kick, scoring his fourth goal of the tournament with a close-range volley.

The second half continued in full-throttle mode; England’s makeshift right back Jarell Quansah became the fourth Englishman to be sent off at a World Cup when he caught Jesús Gallardo ’s shins with his studs, handing the co-host a lifeline.

In a rare foray forward, Mexico goalkeeper Raúl Rangel wiped out the speedy Anthony Gordon inside the box and Kane made no mistake from the spot to score his sixth goal at this World Cup, making it 3-1 England.

Mexico clawed a goal back of its own from the penalty spot but could not find an equalizer after heroic last-ditch defending by England. Towering center back Dan Burn made six clearances alone after coming on as a 75th-minute substitute.

In yesterday’s other round of 16 match, Norway’s Erling Haaland got the better of his Premier League rival Gabriel Magalhães of five-time champion Brazil, scoring twice as the Vikings rowed their way to the last eight of the World Cup for the first time. Haaland’s double makes this the first World Cup in which three players — Kylian Mbappé , Lionel Mess i and Haaland — have scored seven-plus goals.

Preview

Balogun’s American dream is back on track. The United States’ top goal scorer in this World Cup has been reinstated for today’s round of 16 match against Belgium after he earned a red card in the round of 32 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, ending a 10-game, four-year losing streak to European opponents.

Belgium’s soccer federation blasted the ruling to reinstate, saying it was “astonished” by FIFA’s decision.

According to a source familiar with the matter, President Donald Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino and asked him to review Balogun’s suspension.

With or without Balogun, the co-host will be feeling confident against a Belgium team that has flattered to deceive in this tournament so far. It needed the latest goal scored in World Cup history (124 minutes and 44 seconds) to vanquish Senegal in the previous round.

The U.S. or Belgium will face the winner of the star-studded Iberian Clásico in Dallas, where Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal face European champion Spain at 3 p.m. ET.

What we’re watching

These games are on Telemundo and Peacock , and all times are Eastern: