Ecuador reach Copa America quarters but Mexico out after 0-0 draw

GLENDALE – Ecuador secured a place in the Copa America quarter-finals on June 30 by grinding out a 0-0 draw with Mexico, who bowed out of the tournament after finishing third in Group B.

Ecuador withstood a furious late onslaught from El Tri at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona to finish level with Mexico on four points, but progress to the last eight thanks to a superior goal difference.

Mexico launched wave after wave of attacks in the final quarter, with Johan Vasquez forcing a save from Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez in the 71st minute, six minutes after Santiago Gimenez struck the post from close range.

Mexico were then awarded a penalty in the seventh minute of stoppage time when Felix Torres appeared to bring down Guillermo Martinez, but the decision was overturned after a VAR review.

“We would like to have a little bit more control,” Ecuador coach Felix Sanchez said.

“It’s a very young squad, as I said, and we actually need to be able to overcome these situations in these matches.

“We know that even if you obtain the results you want, you need to be self-critical and continue improving.”

Mexico coach Jaime Lozano is likely to face increased scrutiny after they scored just one goal in their three group matches.

Lozano, Mexico’s third coach since 2023, also faced criticism after their 2-0 loss to the United States in the 2024 Concacaf Nations League final, and defeats in two recent friendlies, including a 4-0 thrashing by Uruguay.

“Whenever an objective is not met, there is certain discomfort and doubts, that’s only natural, no matter who’s here,” he said.

“But the players kept believing until the very end, that’s not easy. It’s not easy to play that strong union and the commitment that they showed... over the whole tournament. That decision (about my future) is not up to me.”

Ecuador, who are looking to reach their first semi-final since hosting the event in 1993, face Copa and World Cup holders Argentina in the quarter-finals, while group winners Venezuela, who beat Jamaica 3-0, take on Canada.

“We know it is an unmatched opponent, and we know how tough it’s going to be, but our players are happy that they’ve moved to the next round, and we’ll see how that unfolds,” Sanchez added.

“It is yet another final for us, and we will try to compete against the world’s champion and the world’s best team.

“I believe that our team is going to be extremely motivated with a very high morale and trying to play a good match.

“I have full confidence in our players. I know that they are going to give their best as they’ve done in the three matches. We know how tough it is, but it is 11 against 11, and we’re going to do whatever we can to win it.”

The Venezuelans, who were already assured of a last-eight place after wins over Ecuador and Mexico, preserved their 100 per cent record against winless Jamaica through goals from Eduard Bello, Salomon Rondon and Eric Ramirez. REUTERS, AFP