Ecuador secured a place in the Copa America quarter-finals on Sunday after grinding out a 0-0 draw with Mexico, who bowed out of the tournament after finishing third in Group B.

Ecuador, who are looking to reach their first semi-final since hosting the event in 1993, face defending champions Argentina in the quarters, while group winners Venezuela, who beat Jamaica 3-0, take on Canada.

Ecuador finished level with Mexico on four points but progress to the last eight thanks to a superior goal difference.

In a physical first half, Mexico attacked with real intensity as they sought the win they needed but lacked quality on the ball and failed to record a shot on target.

Lozano’s side continued to push after the break and full-back Gerardo Arteaga created a good opportunity after a powerful run into the box, before being denied by a last-ditch tackle from Felix Torres.

Winger Julian Quinones tested Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez with a long-range effort in the 65th minute. Dominguez kept out Quinones’ shot with a diving save, with Mexico’s Santi Gimenez blasting the rebound off the post from a tight angle.

As Mexico threw bodies forward in their search for a winner, Ecuador increasingly posed a threat on the counter-attack and in the 68th minute Enner Valencia forced a save from Julio Gonzalez with a dipping strike.

Mexico were then awarded a penalty in the seventh minute of stoppage time when Torres appeared to bring down Guillermo Martinez but the decision was overturned after a VAR review.

“We would like to have a little bit more control,” Ecuador coach Felix Sanchez told reporters.

“It’s a very young squad, as I said, and we actually need to be able to overcome these situations in these matches. We know that even if you obtain the results you want, you need to be self-critical and continue improving.”

Mexico manager Jaime Lozano is likely to face increased scrutiny after they scored just one goal in their three group matches.