A Complicated Journey Wasn't Enough. Mexico's Opponent Endured a Hellish Night

According to the Associated Press, fans began gathering outside the Westin hotel in Mexico City's Santa Fe district shortly after midnight, with the noise continuing into the early morning hours.

The event's organization was coordinated via social media. Similar "serenades" outside opponents' hotels have a long-standing tradition in Latin American football.

Adding to their woes, the Ecuadorians endured a complicated journey from Columbus, Ohio. Coach Sebastián Beccacece stated that their flight was delayed by over three hours, and the subsequent transfer from Felipe Angeles Airport, located approximately 65 kilometers from the hotel, was further extended by heavy traffic and Monday's torrential rain.

"The flight delay and subsequent transfer to the hotel meant the journey took nine hours, three hours longer than planned. However, the team is fine and looking forward to the match. We face an opponent who achieved good results in the group stage," Beccacece said.

Ecuador deliberately planned their arrival in Mexico at the last minute to minimize the impact of the capital's high altitude, which sits approximately 2200 meters above sea level. According to sports scientists, one of the recommended strategies for such conditions is to arrive just before the match, prior to the onset of acute symptoms caused by thin air.