Ecuador secured a spot within the Copa América quarterfinals on Sunday after grinding out a 0-0 draw with Mexico, which bowed out of the match after ending third in Group B.
Ecuador will now play defending champions Argentina within the quarters, whereas group winners Venezuela, who beat Jamaica 3-0, tackle Canada.
Ecuador completed stage with Mexico on 4 factors, however progress to the final eight because of a superior purpose distinction.
In a bodily first half, Mexico attacked with actual depth as they sought the win they wanted, however lacked high quality on the ball and did not document a shot heading in the right direction.
Jaime Lozano’s aspect continued to push after the break and Gerardo Arteaga was denied by a last-ditch deal with from Felix Torres, whereas Julian Quinones examined Ecuador’s Alexander Dominguez with a long-range effort.
Mexico continued to throw our bodies ahead of their search of a winner and have been awarded a penalty when Torres appeared to deliver down Guillermo Martinez, however the resolution was overturned after the referee consulted the pitchside monitor for a video evaluation.
Mexico did not get out of the group stage for the fourth time in its final 5 Copa América appearances, which may put coach Jaime Lozano’s job in jeopardy. Mexico was additionally eradicated within the group stage of the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.
The previous giants of Concacaf have been eradicated within the first spherical of the World Cup for the primary time since 1978 in Qatar two years in the past.
Ecuador, forward 4-1 in purpose differential, solely wanted a draw to achieve the quarterfinals following a 3-1 win over Jamaica and a 2-1 loss to group chief Venezuela.
Mexico had a slight benefit in possession the primary half (54%) and took seven photographs, however continued its struggles with effectivity.
El Tri did not have a shot on purpose and its greatest scoring likelihood got here within the remaining minutes of the half, when Santiago Giménez despatched a header over the crossbar.
Ecuador had the most effective likelihood of the half within the nineteenth minute, when Kendry Paez’s shot to the close to put up on free kick compelled Julio González to make a save.
Mexico started ramping up the strain early within the second half, creating extra scoring alternatives.
Supporters of Mexico have been irate when referee Mario Alberto Escobar Toca did not name a foul when Ecuador’s Torres took down Arteaga within the penalty field, however the non-call was upheld on VAR. Santiago Giménez despatched one other header over the crossbar on the following nook kick.