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Copa America: Ecuador Advances To Quarter-finals After Tense Draw With Mexico
Ecuador secured their spot in the Copa América quarter-finals by holding Mexico to a goalless draw at the State Farm Stadium in Arizona.
The result meant that La Tricolor advanced to the last eight for only the third time in 10 attempts, setting up a showdown with reigning champions Argentina.
The match started with high stakes as both teams vied for a place in the knockout stages. Mexico, needing a win to progress, got off to a shaky start with their captain Cesar Montes picking up an early booking.
The game quickly became intense, with rough tackles flying in from both sides, leading to a stop-start affair.
Ecuador gradually gained control of the game and carved out several half-chances, with Kendry Páez coming closest with a free-kick that almost found the net. Despite their dominance, neither team could break the deadlock in the first half, with Mexico struggling to generate any meaningful attacks.
The second half saw a rejuvenated Mexican side pressing forward relentlessly. Cesar Huerta’s threat down the right wing caused problems for Ecuador’s defense, and Mexico thought they had earned a penalty after a handball incident.
However, VAR intervened and the decision was overturned.
As the clock ticked down, Mexico continued to push for a breakthrough, with Santiago Gimenez hitting the post with a powerful strike. In the dying moments of stoppage time, Mexico believed they had a penalty awarded, only for VAR to once again deny them the opportunity.
Despite Mexico’s late surge, Ecuador’s resolute defense held firm, ensuring a draw that was enough for them to progress to the knockout stage as the second-place team in their group.
This sets up a tantalizing quarter-final clash with Argentina, the defending Copa América and world champions.
For Mexico, it was a disappointing exit from the group stage, only the third time in 11 attempts that they have failed to progress.
