Copa América: Mexico crash out after late penalty overturned against Ecuador
Ecuador secured a place in the quarter-finals of the Copa América on Sunday with a 0-0 draw against Mexico, who withdrew from the tournament after finishing third in Group B.
Ecuador, who will play world champions Argentina in the quarter-finals, are level with Mexico (4 points), but still reach the last eight thanks to a better goal difference.
In a physical first half, Mexico attacked with real intensity as they looked for the win they needed, but lacked quality on the ball and failed to register a shot on target.
Jaime Lozano’s side continued to push after the break and Gerardo Arteaga was denied by a last-ditch tackle from Felix Torres, while Julián Quiñones tested Ecuador’s Alexander Dominguez with a long-range effort.
Mexico continued to throw bodies forward in their search for a winner and were awarded a penalty when Torres appeared to bring down Guillermo Martínez, but the decision was overturned after a VAR review. Mexico was awarded a corner kick instead, as the team’s fans sent a chorus of boos down from the stands of State Farm Stadium.
Mexico have now failed to advance beyond the group stage in three of their last four Copa América appearances. El Tri were also knocked out of the World Cup in the first round for the first time since 1978 in Qatar two years ago and lost to the United States in the Concacaf Nations League final in March.
In Sunday night’s other match, Venezuela defeated Jamaica 3-0 in Texas to take top spot in Group B and set up a quarter-final against Canada.
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Venezuela had already secured a place in the last eight with victories over Ecuador and Mexico and needed just one point against already eliminated Jamaica to secure top spot and avoid playing reigning champions Argentina in the next round.
Eduard Bello’s powerful downward header put the South Americans ahead in the 49th minute and Salomon Rondon doubled their advantage seven minutes later with a deflected shot past Jamaican keeper Jahmali Waite. Eric Ramirez added the third in the 85th-minute break.