- Ecuador joins Venezuela in the Quarterfinals
- They will face Argentina on Thursday, July 4
Highlights
- Mexico had possession throughout the match.
- In the second half, Ecuador held on to the draw.
- Towards the end, the game almost turned around.
Match Summary
Mexico and Ecuador entered the match to play with no doubt about what it was: a true final in search of the Quarterfinals of the CONMEBOL Copa América 2024™.
In the first half, Mexico had a bit more possession and looked to surprise Ecuador with some quick plays. At the 22nd minute, Santi Giménez was close to connecting with a long pass from Montes, leaving him alone in front of Domínguez, but he couldn't control it. Near the end of the first half, a good run by Huerta also troubled Ecuador's area. In the last moments, Giménez himself had a dangerous header.
Despite this initiative, the Concacaf team did not have any shots on goal in the first 45 minutes of the match.
Through their young talent Kendry Páez, Ecuador had their best chances and managed two shots on goal, defended by Julio González.
The start of the second half showed Mexico with maximum intentions to qualify. Lozano's team launched one attack after another: Quiñones, Santi Giménez, and Romo put Ecuador in danger, but Alexander Domínguez (and the post) saved Félix Sánchez's team.
Ecuador tried to counterattack, looking for an opportunity to seal their place in the Quarterfinals. Enner Valencia made attempts but posed little threat to Julio González.
The end had a moment of high tension: in injury time, referee Escobar awarded a penalty to Mexico, but after a VAR check, he overturned that decision. The final result was a 0-0 draw: Ecuador qualified for the Quarterfinals of CONMEBOL Copa América 2024™, while the tournament ended for Mexico.
What's next?
Ecuador will play against Argentina on Thursday, July 4, at the NRG Stadium in Houston in the Quarterfinals of the CONMEBOL Copa América 2024™.
Lineups and match information
Mexico: Julio González; Jorge Sánchez, César Montes (C), Johan Vásquez, Gerardo Arteaga; Luis Romo, Luis Chávez, Orbelín Pineda; Julián Quiñones, Santiago Gímenez, César Huerta.
Substitutions used: Uriel Antuna, Guillermo Martínez, Jordi Cortizo, Érick Sánchez, Alexis Vega
Cards: César Montes (yellow), Jorge Sánchez (yellow), Luis Chávez (yellow), Johan Vásquez (yellow),
Coach: Jaime Lozano.
Ecuador: Alexander Domínguez; Ángelo Preciado, Félix Torres, Willian Pacho, Piero Hincapié; Moisés Caicedo, Alan Franco, Kevin Rodríguez, Kendry Páez, Jeremy Sarmiento; Enner Valencia.
Substitutions used: Alan Minda, Carlos Gruezo, Ángel Mena, Andrés Hurtado,
Cards: Moises Caicedo (amarilla)
Coach: Félix Sánchez.
Goals: -
Referee: Mario Escobar (Guatemala)
Stadium: State Farm Stadium – Glendale, Arizona
Superior Player of the Match Michelob ULTRA: Moisés Caicedo (Ecuador)
