Ecuador Advances to Copa America Quarterfinals with Draw Against MexicoEcuador Advances to Copa America Quarterfinals with Draw Against Mexico Ecuador secured a berth in the quarterfinals of the Copa America after a scoreless draw against Mexico on June 30. Mexico, who finished third in Group B, exited the tournament. Ecuador held off a late surge from El Tri at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, to finish level with Mexico on four points. However, Ecuador’s superior goal difference propelled them into the last eight. Mexico launched several attacks in the final quarter, but couldn’t find the breakthrough. Johan Vasquez forced a save from Ecuadorian goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez in the 71st minute, while Santiago Gimenez hit the post from close range six minutes earlier. In the dying seconds, Mexico was awarded a penalty after Felix Torres appeared to foul Guillermo Martinez. However, the decision was overturned after a VAR review. “We would like to have a little more control,” said Ecuadorian coach Felix Sanchez. “It’s a very young team, and we need to be able to overcome these situations. We know we have to keep improving.” Mexico coach Jaime Lozano is likely to face criticism after his team scored just one goal in its three group games. Lozano has been the target of criticism after previous defeats, including a 4-0 loss to Uruguay in a recent friendly. “Anytime you don’t score, there’s discomfort and doubt,” said Lozano. “But the players kept believing until the end.” Ecuador will face defending champions Argentina in the quarter-finals, while Venezuela, who topped Group B with a victory over Jamaica, will take on Canada. “We know it’s an unprecedented opponent, but our players are happy to have advanced,” added Sanchez. “We will try to compete against the world champions. I believe our team will be motivated and will try to play a good match.”
GLENDALE – Ecuador secured a place in the quarterfinals of the Copa America on June 30 after a 0-0 draw against Mexico, who withdrew from the tournament after finishing third in Group B.
Ecuador withstood a furious late attack from El Tri at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, to finish level with Mexico on four points, but reached the last eight thanks to a superior goal difference.
Mexico launched one wave of attacks after another in the final quarter. In the 71st minute, Johan Vasquez forced Ecuadorian goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez into a save, six minutes after Santiago Gimenez had hit 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 more control,” said Ecuadorian coach Felix Sanchez.
“It’s a very young team, as I said, and we really have to be able to overcome these situations in these games. We know that even if you get the results you want, you have to be self-critical and keep improving.”
Mexico coach Jaime Lozano is likely to face more criticism after scoring just one goal in his three group games.
Lozano, Mexico’s third coach in the past two years, also faced criticism after their 2-0 defeat to the United States in the 2024 Concacaf Nations League final, and defeats in two recent friendlies, including a 4-0 thrashing of Uruguay.
“Anytime a goal isn’t meant to be, there’s a certain discomfort and doubt, that’s only natural, no matter who’s here,” Lozano said.
“But the players kept believing until the end, which is not easy. It’s not easy playing against that strong union and the dedication they showed… throughout the tournament. That decision (about my future) is not up to me.”
Ecuador, seeking its first semi-final since hosting the event in 1993, will face defending champions Argentina in the quarter-finals, while group winners Venezuela, who beat Jamaica 3-0, take on Canada.
“We know it is an unprecedented opponent and we know how tough it is going to be, but our players are happy to have advanced to the next round and we will see how that unfolds,” Sánchez added.
“It’s another final for us, and we will try to compete against the world champions and the best team in the world… I believe that our team will be extremely motivated, have high morale and will try to play a good match.
“I have complete confidence in our players. I know they will do their best, as they have done in the three games. We know how tough it is, but it’s 11 against 11 and we’re going to do everything we can to win.”
The Venezuelans, who were already assured of a place in the quarter-finals after victories over Ecuador and Mexico, maintained their 100 percent score against winless Jamaica with goals from Eduard Bello, Salomon Rondon and Eric Ramirez. REUTERS, AFP
