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, who completed stage with Mexico on 4 factors however progress to the final eight due to a superior objective distinction. will now play defending champions Argentina within the quarters, whereas group winners Venezuela, who beat Jamaica 3-0, tackle Canada.
With the sport virtually over, Ecuador was whistled for a penalty for tripping within the space, however after a video evaluate the decision was overturned by head referee Mario Alberto Escobar Toca.
“I do not like to speak about our referee. It’s what it’s and I consider we’ve got extra potentialities now that we’ve got VAR,” Mexico coach Jaime Lozano stated. “After an early exit, I do not wish to discuss concerning the referee.”
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 didn’t document a shot heading in the right direction.
Lozano’s facet 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 had been awarded a penalty when Torres appeared to convey down Guillermo Martinez, however the resolution was overturned after the referee consulted the pitchside monitor for a video evaluate.
Mexico didn’t get out of the group stage for the fourth time in its final 5 Copa América appearances, which might put coach Lozano’s job in jeopardy. Mexico was additionally eradicated within the group stage of the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.
Lozano additionally confronted criticism after their 2-0 loss to the US within the 2024 Concacaf Nations League last, and defeats in two current friendlies, together with a 4-0 thrashing by Uruguay.
When requested about his workforce’s efficiency and his future as Mexico coach, Lozano stated: “There have been many gamers who had by no means performed in a match like this, which is instantly under the World Cup. Different gamers [who played] within the Cup did not have the outcomes of different video games. However I consider the workforce has grown in lots of elements. The choice is less than me.”
Ecuador, forward 4-1 in objective differential, solely wanted a draw to succeed in 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 pictures, however continued its struggles with effectivity.
El Tri did not have a shot on objective, and its finest scoring likelihood got here within the last minutes of the half, when Santiago Giménez despatched a header over the crossbar.
Ecuador had the very best likelihood of the half within the nineteenth minute, when Kendry Paez’s shot to the close to put up on a free kick pressured Julio González to make a save.
Mexico started ramping up the strain early within the second half, creating extra scoring alternatives.
Supporters of Mexico had been irate when referee 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.