Ecuador earns a place in the quarter-finals of the Copa America with a 0-0 draw against Mexico

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Ecuador avoided a penalty in stoppage time after a review and earned a spot in the Copa America quarterfinals with a 0-0 draw against Mexico on Sunday night.

Mexico was initially awarded a penalty by referee Mario Alberto Escobar Toca when Ecuador’s Félix Torres brought down Mexican forward Guillermo Martínez in the penalty area. VAR withdrew the penalty and Mexico were awarded a corner, prompting a chorus of boos from the Mexican fans at State Farm Stadium.

Leading on goal difference, Ecuador withstood a pressure from Mexico at the State Farm Stadium in the second half to finish second in Group B, behind Venezuela. Ecuador will face Group A winner Argentina in the quarter-finals in Houston on Thursday.

Mexico has failed to survive the group stage for the fourth time in the last five Copa America participations. This could jeopardize coach Jaime Lozano’s job.

Two years ago, El Tri was eliminated in the first round of the World Cup in Qatar for the first time since 1978 and lost to the United States in the final of the CONCACAF Nations League in March.

Mexico needs a win to advance after losing 1-0 to Venezuela on a penalty in the 57th minute and winning 1-0 against Jamaica in the opening match of the tournament.

Ecuador, which led 4-1 on goal difference, only needed a draw to reach the quarter-finals after a 3-1 win over Jamaica and a 2-1 defeat against group leader Venezuela.

Mexico had a slight possession advantage in the first half (54%) and shot seven times, but still struggled with efficiency.

El Tri had no chances on target and the best chance came in the dying minutes of the first half, when Santiago Giménez headed the ball over the bar.

Ecuador had the best chance of the half in the 19th minute, when Kendry Paez’s shot from a free kick to the near post forced Julio González to make a save.

Mexico started to pile on the pressure early in the second half, creating more chances to score.

El Tri and its fans were furious when referee Toca called no foul when Ecuador’s Félix Torres brought down Gerardo Arteaga in the penalty area, but the no-fault was upheld by VAR. Giménez headed over the bar again from the ensuing corner.

Julián Quiñones had Mexico’s best chance a few minutes later, firing a shot from just inside the penalty area that Alexander Domínguez stretched out to punch away. Giménez’s shot from the rebound hit the outside of the goal.