Ecuador will challenge Argentina in the quarter-finals of the Copa America after snatching its qualification on Sunday thanks to a draw (0-0) against Mexico, for its part eliminated, during the third and final day of group B. After an inaugural victory against Jamaica (1-0) then a defeat against Venezuela (1-0), the North American selection knew the rules of the game: it had to win against Ecuador at Glendale (Ariz.) to finish second behind Venezuela.
Jaime Lozano’s players, lacking offensive efficiency, however failed to deceive Ecuadorian goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez, despite a one-sided end to the match. After the hour mark, Feyenoord Rotterdam center forward Santiago Gimenez found an upright (65th) before defender Johan Vasquez came up against Dominguez (71st). In added time, the many supporters of the “Tri” even exulted for a while when the Guatemalan referee Mario Escobar whistled a penalty, before being called by the VAR and logically changing his mind.
Disappointment for Mexico two years before the World Cup
At a press conference, coach Lozano has already turned towards the major deadline for Mexico: the 2026 World Cup, which he will co-organize with the United States and Canada. “It is obvious that we will have to do better, but we have two years to improve… I have seen a lot of things which allow me to believe that this team is capable of competing with any selection“, he commented.
Thanks to this goalless draw which qualifies them on goal difference (4 pts), Ecuador has earned the right to go and challenge Argentina, Thursday in Houston, for a place in the last four.We are going to play against the reigning world champion and the Copa America champion, we know that there is no greater rival or better testrejoiced Ecuadorian coach Félix Sanchez. They have some of the best players in the world, who play for the best clubs in the world… It’s a team that despite everything it has won is still hungry… It will be another final.”
Large winner on Sunday of Jamaica (3-0), and first in group B with nine points, Venezuela will face Canada in the quarter-finals on Friday in Arlington (Texas). Author of six goals in three group matches, Venezuela will be able to rely in particular on its striker Salomon Rondon, 34, who is playing his fifth Copa America. Having scored the 2-0 goal on Sunday, the latter is now Venezuela’s co-top scorer in the history of the event, with six goals in total.
