•Mexican fans gather to watch the FIFA World Cup round of 32 football match against Ecuador, yesterday
At least two people died this morning during massive celebrations in Mexico City as the national team advanced to the next round at the World Cup, according to the local government.
A 19-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man died of asphyxiation, according to the city’s health ministry.
Authorities have not confirmed the death of a third person, reported by local media.
The celebrations came after Mexico beat Ecuador to record their first World Cup knockout win since 1986, sending the co-hosts into the round of 16.
More than a million people gathered in the streets of Mexico City, mainly around the Angel of Independence monument, according to estimates by the city government.
Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 to break a 40-year World Cup knockout yesterday.
In a supercharged atmosphere, Julian Quinones gave Mexico a deserved lead midway through the first half with a thunderous strike and then turned provider for Raul Jimenez.
Mexico had not won a World Cup knockout game since 1986, when they last hosted the tournament.
Yesterday’s win means the co-host are now unbeaten in 10 World Cup games at the Azteca and will fancy their chances against England or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the round of 16.
Mexico were one of only three teams in the group phase to win all three of their matches, alongside France and Argentina, and did not concede a single goal.
