Mexico’s journey through the 2024 Copa America has, so far, gone as well as could be expected based on the national team in recent times: tumultuous, difficult, with ups and downs, a few moments of praise, and a lot of criticism from the fans.
They have been Jekyll and Hyde on the pitch, overcoming the weakest opponents in the group before an ugly performance against the first contenders from CONMEBOL they faced. And now, qualification for the quarterfinals is at stake on the third and final matchday of the group phase since they were unable to secure it on the second.
After beating Jamaica by a narrow 1-0 scoreline, with the goal coming 20 minutes from time despite having had numerous chances to score, Mexico fell to Venezuela by the same score in their next outing. They will close out Group B against the team that, in principle, is the most difficult they could face: Ecuador.
That was why it was so important to reach this point with qualification for the knockout phase secured, or at least on track. But that didn’t happen, and now Jimmy Lozano’s team have everything to play for.
MORE: The full schedule and bracket of the 2024 Copa America
What do Mexico need to qualify for Copa America 2024 knockout phase?
To get to the quarterfinals of the Copa America, the equation for Mexico is simple: they must beat Ecuador on Matchday 3.
Copa America Group B standingsPos.TeamPts.GPWDLGFGCDif.1Venezuela6220031+22Ecuador3210143+13Mexico 321011104Jamaica0200214-3
A defeat would, of course, see them eliminated, but a draw would be of no help either since Ecuador has a better goal difference (+1 compared to Mexico’s 0).
It’s worth remembering that, in Mexico’s last Copa America participation in 2016, they won their group — one that they also shared with Venezuela and Jamaica, plus Uruguay. On that occasion, in the quarterfinals, they bade farewell to the tournament with that historic 7-0 defeat to Chile.
MORE: Mexico’s record at the Copa America — have they ever fallen at the group stage before?
Who could Mexico face in the Copa America quarterfinals?
Mexico are likely to progress in second place in Group B — if they go through at all — as Venezuela only need a point against Jamaica in their final group game to guarantee top spot.
If El Tri defeat Ecuador and go through in second, they will face the winner of Group A in the first quarterfinal at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on July 4. Their likely opponents will be defending champions Argentina.
When is Mexico vs. Ecuador Copa America 2024 match?
Mexico’s final Group B game against Ecuador takes place on Sunday, June 30 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The kickoff time is 6 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET.
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Publish date : 2024-06-27 06:17:18
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