Ecuador send Mexico crashing out of Copa America with 2-1 win

Ecuador sent Mexico crashing out of the Copa America while giving themselves at least a slim chance of making the quarter-finals with a 2-1 win.

Gustavo Quinteros’ side now need a heavy win from Paraguay against Uruguay, as well as some other results in the other groups, to claim a place in the quarter-finals after what was their best display of the tournament.

Miller Bolanos scored the opener for Ecuador, with Enner Valencia doubling his side’s advantage just before the hour mark. Raul Jimenez halved the deficit from the penalty spot soon after, but Mexico couldn’t find an equaliser and will now focus on the Gold Cup later this summer.

6’ WHAT A CHANCE, WHAT A SAVE! Ecuador start on the front foot, with Bolanos taking a pass inside the box and losing his marker. But the midfielder sees his shot from eight yards saved by Corona's legs.

28’ GREAT CHANCE FOR MEXICO! Paredes is robbed of the ball on the edge of his own penalty area, with Vuoso hassling him into a mistake. But the Mexican puts his shot just past the post.

30’ GOAL! Mexico 0 Ecuador 1: Ecuador attack on the break, with Valencia shooting at goal from inside the box. His effort is blocked, but Bolanos tucks away the deflection on the line.

50’ SHOULD HAVE DONE BETTER! Valencia finds some space in between the two Mexican centre-backs, meeting a cross into the box with his head. But his effort puts his effort well over the bar.

57’ GOAL! Mexico 0 Ecuador 2: Ecuador have doubled their lead! Medina gives the ball away, with Balanos threading the pass through to Valencia - who finished with ease.

60’ GREAT CHANCE! That was an opportunity for Mexico to find an immediate route back into this game. Vuoso was presented with a shot from eight yards out, but Dominguez makes the stop.

65’ GOAL! Mexico 1 Ecuador 2: The deficit is halved and we have a game on again! Jimenez kept his cool and converted the spot kick right down the middle.

74’ GOOD CHANCE: Great opportunity for Montero at the back post! Bolanos breaks in behind the Mexico backline and looks for his teammate with the cross, but his shot is blocked by the defender.

90’ LAST OPPORTUNITY: Vuoso should have hit the target. A scrambled corner kick lands at the feet of the Mexican striker inside the penalty area, but he skews his shot past the far post with Dominguez prepped for a save.

Miguel Herrera always insisted that this wasn’t a Mexico B team at this summer’s Copa America, but simply a different team - with the coach spreading his resources across the Gold Cup and the Chilean tournament. Whether that was true or not, El Tri are no free to focus on the Gold Cup in Canada and the United States in a few weeks time.

On more than one occasion Bolanos took too long to take a shot, hesitating on the ball as he was presented with it inside the Mexican penalty area. He followed in well from Valencia’s shot to tuck home the opening goal from close range, and linked up well with the West Ham striker throughout the match.

Mexico - Corona 7, Flores 5, Ayala 6, Valenzuela 5, Dominguez 6, Valerde 6, Guemez 5, Media 5, Corona 5, Vuoso 4, Jimenez 5. Subs - Fabian 6, Herrera 5.

Ecuador - Dominguez 6, Paredes 7, Mina 6, Achilier 5, Avoyi 6, Noboa 6, Lastra 6, Ibarra 7, Bolanos 8, Montero 7, Valencia 7. Subs - Cazarez 5, Martinez.