Mexico vs Ecuador

A huge crowd of 62,565 fans watched Mexico and Ecuador battle to a tense 0-0 draw in their latest Copa América matchup. The scoreless game didn’t tell the whole story, as the stats showed one team clearly dominated.

Mexico had the upper hand with almost 60% possession and fired 20 shots to Ecuador’s 9. The result fits a troubling pattern in Mexico’s games against South American teams. They’ve struggled at Copa América since 2011, winning just one out of 11 matches against CONMEBOL teams, with six losses and four draws. Mexico’s overall record against Ecuador looks much better though. They lead the all-time series with 7 wins to Ecuador’s 3, plus 3 draws in their 13 meetings.

This match adds another chapter to the Mexico-Ecuador rivalry. Let’s look deeper at their latest Copa América clash and their complete head-to-head history. The stats tell an interesting story about both teams’ tactics and what this means for their future international matches.

Mexico vs Ecuador 2024: What Happened in the Copa América Clash

The match between Mexico and Ecuador at State Farm Stadium in Arizona finished without any goals. The scoreline doesn’t tell the whole story of a game packed with drama, controversy, and raw emotions.

Final score and key moments

Mexico and Ecuador’s 2024 Copa América clash ended in a goalless draw that made only one team happy. Ecuador’s draw was enough to get them into the quarterfinals, but Mexico needed a win to move forward. El Tri controlled most of the game and created plenty of chances but couldn’t put the ball in the net.

The numbers tell the story of Mexico’s missed chances – 19 shots total and four clear opportunities that went begging, adding up to 0.85 expected goals. Ecuador managed just nine shots with 0.42 expected goals. Santiago Giménez turned out to be Mexico’s biggest letdown, missing several clear chances including a header that hit the post in the 64th minute.

Match reports noted that “Mexico dominated most of the game versus Ecuador, with the latter mostly playing on the counter with 34-year-old Enner Valencia serving as the main transition outlet”. Mexico controlled the game but Ecuador’s goalkeeper Alexander Domínguez put on a spectacular show that kept his team alive in the tournament.

VAR drama and late penalty controversy

The game reached its peak during stoppage time when referee Mario Alberto Escobar Toca gave Mexico a penalty. Guillermo Martínez fell under pressure from Félix Torres in the 97th minute, giving Mexico what seemed like a last chance.

The referee checked the pitchside monitor and changed his mind, seeing that Torres touched the ball before any contact with Martínez. Mexican fans filled the stadium with boos after this decision.

VAR caused other disputes too. Mexico wanted a handball against Torres in the penalty area around the 10th minute, but officials didn’t review it. Mexican players also protested loudly when a ball seemed to hit Alan Franco’s arm in the 90+3rd minute, but no penalty came from that either.

Fan behavior and match interruptions

The tension spread to the crowd as bad behavior disrupted the game multiple times. Stadium officials had to warn fans three times over the loudspeakers to stop a discriminatory chant.

The stadium’s big screens showed messages saying: “The referee has indicated that the match could be suspended due to discriminatory behavior among spectators. Discrimination in football stadiums is not tolerated. If this continues, the match will be suspended, and eventually canceled”.

This homophobic chant aimed at opposing goalkeepers during goal kicks has been a headache for Mexican football over the years. Right after the final whistle, things got worse as fans from both sides started fighting, and several people got hurt.

Mexico ended up third in Group B with four points, tied with Ecuador but behind on goal difference. They failed to get past the group stage for the fourth time in their last five Copa América appearances, adding to their recent struggles in international tournaments.

Breaking Down the Match Stats: Who Really Dominated?

The scoreless draw between Mexico and Ecuador in Copa América doesn’t tell the whole story. A deeper look at the stats shows one team had the upper hand in several areas during the match.

Possession and passing accuracy

Mexico set the game’s pace with 59.6% possession while Ecuador managed 40.4%. El Tri’s control was clear from the start, with 54% possession in the first half. Their passing game stood out too – Mexico hit 80% passing accuracy while Ecuador reached 72%.

The gap in passing numbers tells an interesting story. Mexico strung together 396 total passes while Ecuador made 276. This showed how well Mexico built their attacks. The team also looked more comfortable with the ball, pulling off 11 successful dribbles to Ecuador’s 6.

Shots, chances, and expected goals (xG)

Neither team scored, but Mexico created more chances. They fired 20 total shots while Ecuador only managed 9 attempts. Mexico put 4 shots on target compared to Ecuador’s 3.

The quality of chances favored Mexico too. They racked up 1.03 expected goals (xG) while Ecuador had 0.52 xG. This suggests Mexico should have found the net at least once. Their attack looked sharper overall, as they created 12 chances while Ecuador created just 5.

Mexico’s pressure showed in other areas too. They earned 5 corners to Ecuador’s 2. They even hit the woodwork once, coming close to breaking through.

Discipline: fouls, cards, and offsides

Mexico’s control came with a cost. They picked up 16 fouls while Ecuador had 12. The card count looked worse – Mexico saw 5 yellow cards while Ecuador got just 1.

The game started rough with 8 fouls in the first 20 minutes. Both teams matched each other with 2 offsides each.

Mexico dominated the aerial battle, winning 31 aerial duels to Ecuador’s 15. Yet this advantage didn’t lead to goals.

Mexico’s fans felt frustrated watching their team control the game but fail to score. Despite doubling Ecuador’s shot count and keeping the ball more, they couldn’t find the finishing touch. Ecuador’s solid defense helped them grab the point they needed to reach the quarterfinals.

These stats highlight Mexico’s struggles in Copa América. As one analyst pointed out, “Mexico scored just one total goal across their three games at Copa América”. This explains their early exit, even though they often looked like the better team.

Head-to-Head History: A Rivalry Revisited

Mexico and Ecuador’s rivalry goes back decades, creating an exciting story of competition between CONCACAF and CONMEBOL nations. Both teams have built their international reputations through memorable matches that fans still talk about today.

Overall win-draw-loss record

Mexico clearly dominates the historical matchups against Ecuador. The numbers tell quite a story – out of 25 total matches, Mexico won 15 games while Ecuador grabbed 4 victories, and 6 matches ended in draws. El Tri’s superiority shows up in goals too, with 43 goals compared to Ecuador’s 26.

Mexico loves playing Ecuador in Copa América more than any other team they’ve faced at least five times. They’ve won 60% of their games against Ecuador in this tournament, which shows how well they perform against La Tri on the big stage.

The balance of power has started to shift recently. Looking at their last five games before Copa América 2024, Mexico won two, Ecuador won one, and two ended in draws. Ecuador seems much more competitive now against their old rivals.

Biggest wins and most dramatic games

Mexico’s most impressive victory came in a 1998 friendly where they crushed Ecuador 6-1. This game really showed Mexico at their attacking best.

The teams’ most memorable clash happened at the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan. Mexico grabbed a vital 2-1 win in Group G at Miyagi Stadium, which helped them move on to the next round.

Ecuador showed they could compete at Mexico’s level in a 2021 friendly, winning an exciting 3-2 match at Bank of America Stadium. They proved they could score multiple goals against Mexico, something that used to be rare.

Copa América-specific encounters

These teams have met 5 times in Copa América before 2024. Mexico won 3 of those games, Ecuador took 1, and 1 ended in a draw before Mexico won on penalties.

Their Copa América story began in the 1993 semifinals with Mexico winning 2-0. They met again in the 1997 quarterfinals where a 1-1 draw led to Mexico winning 4-3 on penalties.

Mexico kept winning with 2-1 victories in both 2004 and 2007 group stages. Ecuador finally broke through in their last Copa América meeting before 2024, winning 2-1 in 2015 thanks to goals from Miler Bolaños and Enner Valencia. That win knocked Mexico out of the tournament.

After their recent scoreless draw in 2024, Mexico still leads the Copa América head-to-head with 3 wins to Ecuador’s 1, plus 2 draws. Mexico keeps their edge even though the games have become much closer lately.

Team Form Leading into the 2024 Match

Mexico and Ecuador faced off in a significant Copa América showdown with different forms and challenges that made this match particularly interesting.

Mexico’s recent performances and scoring issues

El Tri came to the 2024 tournament in a worrying slump. Their group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup started a downward spiral. The United States defeated them 2-0 in the 2024 Concacaf Nations League final, and Uruguay hammered them 4-0 in a friendly match.

Coach Jaime Lozano made some questionable squad choices. He left stars Hirving Lozano and Raúl Jiménez at home. This decision didn’t work out as Mexico struggled to score, managing just one goal in three matches.

Santiago Giménez showed Mexico’s attacking problems clearly. He scored 26 goals with eight assists for Feyenoord last season but only managed four goals in 29 national team appearances. One analyst pointed out, “There’s no attacking volume. Four of Mexico’s five goals have come from set pieces”.

Ecuador’s rise in South American football

Ecuador showed up as a rising power in South American football. La Tri held second place in CONMEBOL’s World Cup qualifiers under Sebastián Beccacece, just behind Argentina. Their consistency showed in qualifying for four of the last six World Cups.

Ecuador’s clubs proved themselves as “the biggest challengers to the Brazilian domination of club football in South America”. The national team mixed experienced players with young talent that promoted hope for their future.

Key players and tactical setups

Mexico used a 4-2-3-1 formation that focused on possession and width. Captain Edson Álvarez’s early injury hurt the team badly. The defense stayed solid with just one goal conceded in the group stage, but they couldn’t score goals.

Moises Caicedo ran Ecuador’s midfield—”so strong and so good at winning the ball back in the middle of the park”. Enner Valencia, at 34, led the team as their all-time top scorer. Chelsea-bound Kendry Paez, just 17, represented their future and played well against Jamaica.

Ecuador’s game plan relied on strong defense and quick counterattacks that matched up well against Mexico’s possession style.

What This Result Means for Both Teams

The goalless draw between Mexico and Ecuador altered the map of Group B’s final standings and created different paths for both teams. This result decided which team would continue their trip in Copa América and which would return home disappointed.

Group standings and quarterfinal qualification

The final Group B table painted a clear picture with Venezuela taking the top spot after an impressive perfect record of 3 wins and 9 points. Ecuador and Mexico ended with similar records of 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss for 4 points each. Ecuador moved forward on goal difference, with a +1 compared to Mexico’s 0.

Jamaica finished last without any points, with 3 losses and a -6 goal difference. This meant Ecuador would face a tough quarterfinal match against Argentina on July 4 in Houston.

Mexico’s continued struggles in Copa América

El Tri’s elimination added to their string of letdowns in Copa América history. Mexico has failed to move past the group stage in four of their last five Copa América appearances. This trend shows their ongoing challenges in continental competitions.

Their Copa América record now reads 20 wins, 14 draws, and 17 losses in 51 games played. The team’s weak attack scored just one goal across all three matches despite creating many chances. Coach Lozano’s choice to pick younger players over veterans didn’t work out as his team couldn’t finish their chances effectively.

Ecuador’s consistency in knockout stages

Ecuador’s path to the quarterfinals came with its share of hurdles. The team played with ten men against Venezuela after Enner Valencia’s red card. They also had to face Jamaica without their captain’s leadership.

Felix Sanchez’s team showed they could tough it out and got the result they needed against Mexico. Their goal difference made the difference after beating Jamaica 3-1 following their opening loss to Venezuela 2-1.

The team now had to take on world champions Argentina. Ecuador’s coach put it simply: “They are defending world champions, Copa America champions, and they have the best players in the world… We are going to have to play a perfect game”.

Summing it all up

Mexico’s tournament ended in frustration after they failed to score against Ecuador in their vital Copa América clash, despite controlling most of the game. The stats tell the story – Mexico had the ball 59.6% of the time and took 20 shots compared to Ecuador’s 9. They ended up with better expected goals too, but couldn’t find the back of the net. El Tri’s Copa América problems are systemic – they’ve crashed out at the group stage in all but one of their last five tournaments.

Mexico has historically dominated Ecuador with 15 wins in 25 matches. The power dynamic has substantially changed in recent years. Ecuador has grown stronger in South American football, as shown by their World Cup qualifying position and their clubs’ ability to challenge Brazilian teams.

Ecuador showed remarkable grit to qualify for the Argentina match. La Tri played with ten men against Venezuela, missed their captain against Jamaica, and still got the point they needed against Mexico. Their defensive strategy and precise execution worked well against Mexico’s possession game.

The match revealed two different stories. Mexico’s attack don’t deal very well with converting chances – scoring just once in three games despite creating plenty of opportunities. Their player selection also raised eyebrows. Meanwhile, Ecuador keeps climbing the international football ladder, though they faced a tough test against the world champions in the quarter-finals.

VAR drama, crowd trouble, and a fight after the match added chaos to an already intense game. These events cast a shadow over what should have been a celebration of two competitive rivals.

Football can be cruel sometimes. Stats and history provide context, but teams must score when it counts – a lesson Mexico learned the hard way at Copa América 2024.

Here are some FAQs about Mexico vs Ecuador:

What time does Mexico play against Ecuador?

Mexico vs Ecuador is scheduled to kick off at [insert specific time here, e.g., 7:00 PM ET]. The exact time may vary depending on the tournament schedule and broadcasting arrangements. Fans eagerly anticipating the Mexico vs Ecuador 2024 clash should check local listings for precise timing in their region.

Where will Mexico vs Ecuador be?

The Mexico national football team vs Ecuador national football team match will take place at [insert stadium name], located in [insert city/country]. This venue is known for hosting high-profile international fixtures, and the Ecuador vs Mexico game is expected to draw a massive crowd. Make sure to secure tickets early if you plan to attend this exciting encounter.

What happens if Mexico loses vs. Ecuador?

If the Mexico national football team vs Ecuador national football team standings are affected by a Mexican loss, it could jeopardize their advancement in the tournament. A defeat might force Mexico to rely on other match results to progress, depending on the competition’s format. The Mexico vs Ecuador outcome is crucial, as it could determine their fate in the knockout stages.

Who has a better chance of winning, Mexico or Ecuador?

Analyzing the Mexico national football team vs Ecuador national football team stats, both sides have strong squads, but Mexico often holds a slight edge due to their experience in big tournaments. However, Ecuador’s recent form and young talent make them a formidable opponent in the Mexico vs Ecuador 2024 matchup. The game could go either way, depending on which team executes their strategy better.

What time is Mexico vs Ecuador Pacific time?

For viewers in the Pacific Time Zone, the Mexico national football team vs Ecuador national football team lineups will be announced ahead of the match, which kicks off at [insert PT time, e.g., 4:00 PM PT]. Always verify the time conversion closer to the match date, as scheduling adjustments are possible. Don’t miss this thrilling Ecuador vs Mexico showdown!

Does Mexico have to beat Ecuador to advance?

Whether Mexico must win depends on the Mexico national football team vs Ecuador national football team standings and tournament rules. A victory would secure their advancement, but a draw might suffice if other results go their way. The Mexico vs Ecuador game is pivotal, and the team will likely aim for all three points to avoid complications.

Do Mexico and Ecuador get along?

Historically, Mexico and Ecuador have maintained friendly diplomatic and sporting relations. The Mexico national football team vs Ecuador national football team matches are competitive but respectful, reflecting the camaraderie between the two nations. Off the field, collaborations in trade and culture further strengthen their bond.

Who will advance, Mexico or Ecuador?

Predicting who advances hinges on the Mexico national football team vs Ecuador national football team stats and current form. Mexico’s experience might give them an edge, but Ecuador’s dynamic play could surprise. The Mexico vs Ecuador 2024 clash will be decisive, with both teams fighting fiercely for a spot in the next round.

Who is favored to win, Argentina or Ecuador?

While this question shifts focus to Argentina, in the context of Ecuador vs Mexico, Argentina is typically favored due to their higher FIFA ranking and star-studded lineup. However, Ecuador’s resilience means they can’t be underestimated. For the Mexico national football team vs Ecuador national football team matchup, the odds might be more evenly balanced.

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