Copa America: Ecuador eliminate Mexico, to meet Argentina in quarterfinals

Ecuador
Ecuador's Jose Hurtado (No. 24) celebrates after the draw against Mexico. Photo: USA TODAY Sports/Mark J Rebilas via Reuters

Glendale (Arizona): Ecuador secured a place in the Copa America quarterfinals on Sunday after grinding out a 0-0 draw with Mexico, who bowed out of the tournament after finished third in Group B.

Ecuador face defending champions Argentina in the quarters, while group winners Venezuela, who beat Jamaica 3-0, take on Canada.

Ecuador finished level with Mexico on four points but progress to the last eight thanks to a superior goal difference.

In a physical first half, Mexico attacked with real intensity as they sought the win they needed but lacked quality on the ball and failed to record 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 Julian Quinones 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 Martinez but the decision was overturned after a VAR review.

Venezuela had already booked their spot in the last eight with wins over Ecuador and Mexico and needed just a point against already eliminated Jamaica to clinch top spot and avoid facing defending champions Argentina in the next round.

Venezuela top group
Action from the Jamaica-Venezuela match. Photo:USA TODAY Sports/ Scott Wachter via Reuters

Eduard Bello's powerful downward header put the South Americans in front in the 49th minute and Salomon Rondon doubled their lead seven minutes later with a scuffed effort past Jamaica keeper Jahmali Waite.

Eric Ramirez added the third on the breakaway in the 85th minute.

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