Mexico won all three World Cup group games in front of a fervent home support but now face a step up in class as the knockout stages get underway with a clash against Ecuador.
The draw was pretty kind to the co-hosts and it wasn't a big surprise when they saw off South Africa, South Korea and Czechia to finish top of Group A.
This isn't a vintage Mexican side but wily coach Javier Aguirre has them well drilled and home advantage counts for a lot at the World Cup.
They will fancy their chances in this last-32 tie but Ecuador are tricky opponents after finally coming alive at this tournament.
Lots of people flagged up the Ecuadorians as dark horses but they flopped in their first two Group E games, taking just a point against Ivory Coast and Curacao.
That left them needing a win over Germany to avoid an early exit and they finally delivered, claiming a rousing 2-1 triumph.
And if Sebastian Beccacece can get his players to produce a similar performance, they could silence the Azteca Stadium.
How the bookies view it: Mexicans to march on
Bet365 reckon home advantage will give Mexico the edge in this one, with the co-hosts 23/20 favourites for a win inside 90 minutes. Ecuador look a bit too big at 29/10 and the draw pays 2/1.
I'm going to have a punt on the Ecuadorians reaching the last 16, which pays 6/4, while the Mexicans are just 8/15 in that market.
Head to head: History against Ecuador
These nations are familiar foes, facing off 28 times before, and it's Mexico who have dominated this fixture. They've won 16 of those matches and lost just four, although Ecuador are unbeaten across the last four meetings.
Players to watch: Quinones a livewire
Julian Quinones was the brightest spark for Mexico in the group stage, netting in the wins over South Africa and Czechia. The lively forward is 13/5 with Bet365 to grab another goal here and could be a popular choice on the World Cup betting apps.
Sunderland's Nilson Angulo came off the bench in Ecuador's first two games but started against the Germans and made the most of his big chance by scoring the opener. He should keep his place for this match and is a tempting 6/1 for anytime scorer.
Probable line-ups
Both teams should be a full strength for this tie, with neither Mexico nor Canada picking up an injuries or suspensions in their final group game.
Mexico: Ranger, Gallardo, Vasquez, Montes, Sanchez, Fidalgo, Lira, Guitierrez, Quinones, Jimenez, Alvarado.
Ecuador: Galindez, Hincapie, Pacho, Ordonez, Franco, Caicedo, Vite, Angulo, Yeboah, Valencia, Plata.
Anything else catch the eye?
I'm expecting this to be a tight contest and chances could be at a premium with so much at stake. That makes the half-time draw a good option and it pays 10/11 at Bet365.
I wouldn't be too surprised if this went all the way to penalties and backing the game to be decided that way pays 7/2 with the same firm.
Mexico have only won five corners so far at this World Cup while Ecuador have racked up 18. That suggests backing the South American side for most corners stands a good chance at 11/8.
GambleAware