As Venezuela sealed the top spot in Group B with a 3-0 victory over Jamaica, Ecuador booked their ticket in the Copa America quarterfinals on Sunday with a nerve-wracking 0-0 stalemate with Mexico.
In Glendale, Arizona, Ecuador overcame a fierce late assault by “El Tri” to advance to the round of eight, requiring just a point versus Mexico to advance on goal differential.
The last quarter saw Mexico launch wave after wave of attempts, with Johan Vasquez forcing Ecuador custodian Alexander Dominguez into a save in the 71st minute, six minutes after Santiago Gimenez’s close-range drive struck the post.
There was almost a dramatic twist deep into eight minutes of time added on, when Guatemalan referee Mario Escobar awarded what would have been a winning penalty to Mexico after Ecuador’s Felix Torres appeared to foul Guillermo Martinez in the area.
The Mexican-dominated crowd erupted in delight only for the celebrations to be cut short when VAR instructed Escobar to review the decision.
Replays showed Torres clearly got a touch on the ball in his challenge on Martinez and the penalty was overturned.
Ecuador will now face Group A winners Argentina in the quarterfinals in Houston on Thursday.
Venezuela, meanwhile, will take on Group A runners-up Canada in Arlington on Friday as they chase a place in the semi-finals.
The Venezuelans, who were already assured of a quarter-final place after wins over Ecuador and Mexico, preserved their 100% record against winless Jamaica.
Eduard Bello headed Venezuela into the lead after 49 minutes, nodding home at the far post after a perfectly weighted cross from Jon Aramburu.
Veteran striker Salomon Rondon then doubled the Venezuela lead on 56 minutes, latching on to a through ball from Yangel Herrera and then smuggling a low finish into the net past advancing Jamaica goalkeeper Jahmali Waite.
A decisive victory was sealed in the 85th minute when Eric Ramirez was sent through on goal by Kervin Andrade before coolly finishing past Waite.
