Sports Desk, July 1 (EFE).- Ecuador held Mexico to a goalless draw in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday to advance to the quarterfinals of the Copa America, where they would face world champions Argentina.
Ecuador finished the Group B competition with four points, the same as Mexico, who were eliminated on goal difference.
Eduard Bello, Salomon Rondon and Eric Ramirez were all on the scoresheet as Venezuela beat Jamaica 3-0 to become the group champions.
If Jamaica had drawn or won against Venezuela, they would’ve earned their first-ever point in the competition, but that did not happen.
This was the first time Venezuela won all three of its group stage matches, which helped them avoid Argentina in the quarterfinals and set up a tie against Canada.
Mexico, who rarely miss the knockout stage in major tournaments, had to win against Ecuador if they were to progress this time.
They dominated the play in the opening half but notably could manage no shot on target during the play.
The second half was more intense, with Jaime Lozano’s Mexico launching one after another attack only to fail at the final moment.
Mexico thought they were given a reprieve when the referee awarded them a penalty in 97 minutes, which triggered some early celebrations on the Mexican side of the gallery.
But, to their misfortune, VAR annulled the penalty and Ecuador held on for the remaining seconds to secure the required draw.
In the quarterfinals, Ecuador will face Argentina in Houston on July 4, while Venezuela will take on Canada in Arlington, Texas, the next day.
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