Soccer-Ecuador reach Copa quarters, Mexico out after 0-0 draw

Jun 30, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez (22) makes a save against Mexico defender Jesus Orozco (13) during the second half in the Copa America soccer tournament at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

GLENDALE, Arizona (Reuters) - Ecuador secured a place in the Copa America quarter-finals on Sunday after grinding out a 0-0 draw with Mexico, who bowed out of the tournament after finished third in Group B.

Ecuador face defending champions Argentina in the quarters, while group winners Venezuela, who beat Jamaica 3-0, take on Canada.

Ecuador finished level with Mexico on four points but progress to the last eight thanks to a superior goal difference.

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.

Jaime Lozano's side continued to push after the break and Gerardo Arteaga was denied by a last-ditch tackle from Felix Torres, while Julian Quinones tested Ecuador's Alexander Dominguez with a long-range effort.

Jun 30, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ecuador defender Jose Hurtado (24) and Ecuador celebrate beating Mexico in the Copa America soccer tournament at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Mexico continued to throw bodies forward in their search for a winner and were awarded a penalty when Torres appeared to bring down Guillermo Martinez but the decision was overturned after a VAR review.

(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)