The pivotal game in Group B features two teams, battling it out for the final qualification place within the group. Mexico takes on Ecuador, as both teams look to join Venezuela in the quarter-final stage.
Date: 07/01/2024
Kick-Off Time: 20:00 (ET)
Location: University of Phoenix Stadium
Mexico and Ecuador are tied level on points heading into the third and final group game, although Ecuador have a slight advantage in the standings. Ecuador are in second place on goal difference, which leaves Mexico in third place needing nothing more than a victory to second place. Ecuador with their goal difference advantage, only need a point to guarantee qualification, having also scored three more goals than Mexico in the standings.
Mexico began their campaign with a great start by beating Jamaica 1-0 in the opening game. Mexico would slightly feel aggrieved, by not pressing home their advantage with 61% of possession. Mexico grabbed the only goal of the game in the 69th minute through a brilliantly taken effort from Gerardo Arteaga.
The second game against Venezuela is where they were undone by a great Venezuelan defensive display. Mexico once again had a larger share of possession and created 2.88xG in the game, but fell victim to a penalty from Salomon Rondon, which leaves them at a disadvantage against Ecuador.
Ecuador’s campaign was the reverse of what Mexico had to endure, in that Ecuador lost their opening game and recovered brilliantly in the second game. In their opening fixture, they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against Venezuela thanks to goals from Jhonder Cadiz and Eduard Bello. Ecuador had taken the lead in that game through Jeremy Sarimento, despite having talisman striker Enner Valencia dismissed for a high boot inside the first 25 minutes.
La Tri were brilliant in their second game against Jamaica. Kasey Palmer aided Ecuador with an own goal before Kendry Paez doubled their advantage just before half-time. Despite West Ham United striker Michail Antonio’s effort, Alan Minda secured Ecuador’s first Copa America win of the tournament with a late strike.
The last competitive meeting between the two teams resulted in a 2-1 win for Ecuador in the 2015 edition of the Copa America.