Teen prodigy Gilberto Mora wrote his name FIFA World Cup record after becoming the second-youngest player to score a World Cup goal, as Mexico ended a 40-year wait to score by defeating Ecuador 2-0 in the Round of 32.At the age of 17 years and 259 days, Mora joined a special list led by Brazilian legend Pelé, who was 17 years and 239 days old when he started the quarter-finals of the 1958 World Cup against Wales. Youthful enthusiasm played a key role in Mexico’s quick opening as their teammates dominated Ecuador before goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez sealed a place in the Round of 16.
Mora joins Pele in a unique World Cup history
Mora wasted little time announcing himself on the biggest stage. The youngster threatened twice inside the first 15 minutes as Mexico flew into the stands after kickoff was delayed by an hour due to bad weather.According to FIFA, Mora is now the second 17-year-old to score a hat-trick at the World Cup after Pelé’s appearance in Brazil in 1958.The midfielder had already broken another national record earlier in the tournament by becoming Mexico’s youngest World Cup debutant, adding to the reason why he is regarded as one of the country’s brightest young talents. Mora’s rise has been remarkable. The Tijuana midfielder became the youngest player to play in Mexico’s top flight at the age of 15 and later the youngest player to represent the senior team at just 16 years old.
Mexico finally breaks a forty-year curse
When Mora grabbed the headlines with his profile, Mexico celebrated a similar team victory.Quiñones broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute when he ran onto a well-placed ball before slotting past Hernán Galíndez. Nine minutes later, the player turned the provider by setting up Jiménez to increase Mexico’s advantage.Mexico defended their lead after the break, with defenders César Montes and Johan Vásquez making good progress at the back as striker Raúl Rangel completed his fourth straight brace.The win marked El Tri’s first World Cup win over Bulgaria in 1986, and by a score of 2-0, it ended the longest goalless deficit in the history of the game.Mexico will now face the winner of the England-DR Congo Round of 32 match, with confidence high after ending their 40-year drought.
