Mexico’s path to the 2024 Copa América has so far gone as one might expect based on the national team of late: tumultuous, difficult, with ups and downs, some moments of praise and a lot of criticism from the team. fans.
They have been Jekyll and Hyde on the pitch, beating the weaker opponents in the group before an ugly performance against the top CONMEBOL contenders they faced. And now, in the third and final matchday of the group stage, qualification for the quarter-finals is at stake, having failed to secure it in the second.
After beating Jamaica by a narrow score of 1-0, with the goal coming 20 minutes from time despite having numerous scoring opportunities, Mexico fell to Venezuela by the same score in their next match. They will close Group B against the team that, in principle, is the most difficult they could face: Ecuador.
That is why it was so important to reach this point with qualification for the round of 16 assured, or at least on track. But that didn’t happen and now Jimmy Lozano’s team has everything at stake.
What does Mexico need to qualify for the round of 16 of the Copa América 2024?
To reach the quarterfinals of the Copa América, the equation for Mexico is simple: they must beat Ecuador on matchday 3.
Copa América Classification Group B
| Pos. | Equipment | Points. | GP | W. | D | l | bride | GC | Diff. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Venezuela | 6 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 |
| 2 | Ecuador | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 3 | +1 |
| 3 | Mexico | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 4 | Jamaica | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | -3 |
A defeat, of course, would eliminate them, but a draw wouldn’t help either, as Ecuador has a better goal difference (+1 to Mexico’s 0).
It is worth remembering that, in Mexico’s last participation in the Copa América in 2016, it won its group, one that it also shared with Venezuela and Jamaica, in addition to Uruguay. On that occasion, in the quarterfinals, they said goodbye to the tournament with that historic 7-0 defeat against Chile.
Who could Mexico face in the quarterfinals of the Copa América?
Mexico is likely to advance to second place in Group B, if it manages to qualify, as Venezuela only needs a point against Jamaica in its final group match to guarantee first place.
If El Tri defeats Ecuador and moves into second place, they will face the winner of Group A in the first quarterfinals at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on July 4. Their likely opponents will be the defending champions. Argentina.
When is the Mexico vs. match? Ecuador Copa America 2024?
Mexico’s final Group B match against Ecuador will take place on Sunday June 30 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The start time is 6 pm Pacific Time/8 pm Eastern Time.
