Ecuador only needed a draw to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Copa America and that is what they got, on the night of Sunday to Monday, against Mexico (0-0). With equal points, it was Félix Sanchez’s players who took second place in Group B thanks to a better goal difference.
Mexico brought intensity to this meeting and created the best chances (19 shots on goal compared to 9 for Ecuador). But the teammates of man of the match Moisés Caicedo (Chelsea) resisted until the end to keep Jaime Lozano’s men in check.
For its quarter-final, Ecuador came across a big favorite of the competition since it will face Argentina, defending champion and 2022 world champion, on July 4.
Venezuela against Canada in quarterfinals
In the other Group B match, Venezuela won their third time in the group stage after beating Jamaica 3-0. Forward Eduard Bello gave the South Americans the lead in the 49th minute with a powerful diving header and Salomon Rondon doubled the lead seven minutes later by beating Jamaican goalkeeper Jahmali Waite with a swatted shot. Finally, Eric Ramirez, who came on in the 81st minute, scored the third goal of the match (85th).
Thanks to its victories over Ecuador and Mexico, Vinotinto had already qualified for the quarter-finals but it secured its first place in Group B. This position allows it to avoid a confrontation with Argentina, it will challenge Canada on July 5.
