Mexico dumped out of Copa America in the group stages after draw with Ecuador… as Venezuela thrash Jamaica to set up quarter-final showdown with Canada
Mexico were unceremoniously knocked out of the Copa America on Sunday night after struggling to score in front of 63,000 fans in Glendale, Arizona.
Their opponents Ecuador have meanwhile secured a place in the quarter-finals, where they will face Lionel Messi and defending champions Argentina.
Elsewhere in Group B, Venezuela defeated Jamaica 3-0 to take top spot, and face Canada in the last eight.
Ecuador finished level on four points with Mexico, but advanced to the last eight thanks to a superior goal difference.
Mexico coach Jaime Lozano is likely to face more criticism as the club scored just one goal in their three group matches.
Mexico’s Jordi Cortizo looks dejected after the team was eliminated from the Copa America
More than 63,000 fans filled State Farm Stadium for Sunday night’s 0-0 draw
Lozano, Mexico’s third head coach in the past two years, also faced criticism after a 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.
In a physical first half, Mexico attacked with great intensity and sought the victory it needed. However, the team missed possession and failed to get a shot on target.
Lozano’s team continued to press after the break and defender Gerardo Arteaga created a good opportunity after a powerful run into the penalty area, but Felix Torres blocked a last-ditch effort.
Venezuela celebrates its 3-0 victory over Jamaica to top the group stage and reach the quarter-finals.
Winger Julian Quinones tested Ecuadorian goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez with a long-range shot in the 65th minute. Dominguez kept out Quinones’ shot with a diving save, while Mexican Santi Gimenez curled the rebound off the post from a difficult angle.
While Mexico did its best to score the winning goal, Ecuador became increasingly dangerous on the counterattack. In the 68th minute, Enner Valencia forced Julio Gonzalez into a save with a falling goal.
Mexico were awarded a penalty in the seventh minute of stoppage time when Torres appeared to bring down Guillermo Martinez, but the decision was overturned after a VAR review.