MEXICO CITY: Ecuador`s late World Cup surge runs into Mexico`s immaculate defence and the weight of the Azteca Stadium atmosphere when they face the co-hosts for a place in the last 16 on Tuesday.

Ecuador made the last 32 the hard way, recovering from a 1-0 loss to Ivory Coast by drawing 0-0 against Curacao before reviving their campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Germany.

That result, secured with goals from Nilson Angulo and Gonzalo Plata, changed the tone of Ecuador`s tournament.

A side that was edging towards elimination instead found a route into the knockouts and face the challenge of sustaining that urgency against opponents who haveyettoconcede.Mexico topped Group `A` with three wins, scoring six goals and conceding none, proving they can benefit from the noisy home sup-port at the Azteca that has helped them come into form.

Their defensive record has been the defining feature of their tournament, giving Javier Aguirre`s side a platform as they prepare for another high-pressure night.

If Mexico advance, they will return to the same venue on July 5 forthe last 16, meaning Tuesday`s match provides a knockout test and a chance to extend their run on home soil.

For Ecuador, managing the atmosphere may be as important as breaking down Mexico`s defence.

An early breakthrough would force the hosts into unfamiliar territory at this tournament.

Failing that, Ecuador may find themselves chasing a match shaped by Mexico`s patience and defensive discipline.

The fixture carries considerable weight. The two countries have met 25 times, with Mexico winning 14 including a 21 victory in their only previous World Cup encounter in 2002. One side has found form late.

The other has barely been tested.

At the Azteca, something has to give.-Reuters