Mexico and Ecuador players battle for possession during their Copa America Group B match, which ended in a 0-0 draw, leading to Mexico's elimination from the tournament. © Twitter (@PortmanBlueITFC)
Mexico 0-0 Ecuador | Copa America Group B
Location: Metropolitano Stadium, Barranquilla
Date: 30 June 2024
Match Summary
Mexico’s hopes in the Copa America were dashed as they played out a 0-0 draw with Ecuador. This result saw Mexico finish third in Group B and be eliminated from the tournament. Ecuador, thanks to its superior goal difference, secured second place and a quarter-final clash with Argentina.
First Half
The opening half saw Mexico assert their dominance in possession, with the midfield trio of Edson Álvarez, Héctor Herrera, and Luis Romo controlling the tempo. Despite their dominance, clear-cut chances were hard to come by. Ecuador’s defense, marshaled by Félix Torres, stood firm, repelling Mexican advances.
Ecuador’s best opportunity came in the 23rd minute when Gonzalo Plata’s mazy run ended with a shot that fizzed just wide of Guillermo Ochoa’s goal. Mexico responded with a half-chance of their own, as Hernán Galíndez comfortably saved Hirving Lozano’s curling effort.
Second Half
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Mexico increasing its intensity in its search for a breakthrough. Raúl Jiménez, brought on to add firepower, came close in the 57th minute, but his header from a Jesús Gallardo cross sailed over the bar.
Ecuador, knowing a draw would suffice, played with discipline and looked to hit on the counter. Enner Valencia had a chance to put the game beyond doubt in the 70th minute, but Johan Vásquez superbly blocked his shot.
Late Drama
The climax of the match came deep into stoppage time. In the seventh minute of added time, Mexico was awarded a penalty after Guillermo Martínez went down under a challenge from Félix Torres. However, after a VAR review, the referee overturned the decision, determining that Torres had indeed made contact with the ball.
The decision sparked a mixture of relief and celebration among the Ecuadorian players and fans, while Mexican players and supporters were left in disbelief.
Post-Match Reactions
Jaime Lozano, Mexico’s manager, expressed his disappointment post-match: “Whenever an objective is not met, there is certain discomfort and doubts, that’s only natural. But the players kept believing until the very end, and that’s not easy. The decision about my future is not up to me.”
Ecuador’s draw means they will face defending champions Argentina in the quarter-finals on Friday, 5 July, at 02:00 BST. Meanwhile, Venezuela, who topped Group B after a 3-0 win over Jamaica, will play Canada on Saturday, 6 July, at 02:00 BST.
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