Mexico dumped out of Copa America in the group stages after draw with Ecuador... as Venezuela thrash Jamaica to set up quarter-final showdown with Canada
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Mexico were unceremoniously dumped out of Copa America on Sunday night, after struggling to score in front of 63,000 fans in Glendale, Arizona.
Their opponents Ecuador, meanwhile, secured a place in the quarter-finals, where they will face Lionel Messi and defending champions Argentina.
Elsewhere in Group B, Venezuela thrashed Jamaica 3-0 to seal top spot, and a face-off with Canada in the last eight.
Ecuador finished level with Mexico on four points but progress to the last eight thanks to a superior goal difference.
Mexico manager Jaime Lozano is likely to face increased scrutiny after they scored just one goal in their three group matches.
![Jordi Cortizo of Mexico looks dejected after the team were dumped out of Copa America](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/01/06/86772869-13586827-image-a-78_1719810048745.jpg)
Jordi Cortizo of Mexico looks dejected after the team were dumped out of Copa America
![Over 63,000 fans packed out State Farm Stadium for the 0-0 draw on Sunday evening](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/01/06/86772883-13586827-image-a-79_1719810051512.jpg)
Over 63,000 fans packed out State Farm Stadium for the 0-0 draw on Sunday evening
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Lozano, Mexico's third head coach in the last two years, also faced criticism after their 2-0 loss to the United States in the 2024 CONCACAF Nations League final, and defeats in two recent friendlies, including a 4-0 thrashing by Uruguay.
In a physical first half, Mexico attacked with real intensity as they sought the win they needed but lacked quality on the ball and failed to record a shot on target.
Lozano's side continued to push after the break and full-back Gerardo Arteaga created a good opportunity after a powerful run into the box, before being denied by a last-ditch tackle from Felix Torres.
![Venezuela celebrate after thrashing Jamaica 3-0 to top the group and reach the quarter-finals](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/01/06/86772899-13586827-image-a-80_1719810054804.jpg)
Venezuela celebrate after thrashing Jamaica 3-0 to top the group and reach the quarter-finals
Winger Julian Quinones tested Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez with a long-range effort in the 65th minute. Dominguez kept out Quinones' shot with a diving save, with Mexico's Santi Gimenez blasting the rebound off the post from a tight angle.
As Mexico threw bodies forward in their search for a winner, Ecuador increasingly posed a threat on the counter-attack and in the 68th minute Enner Valencia forced a save from Julio Gonzalez with a dipping strike.
Mexico were then awarded a penalty in the seventh minute of stoppage time when Torres appeared to bring down Guillermo Martinez but the decision was overturned after a VAR review.