Mexico draw sends Ecuador to last eight

GLENDALE, Arizona — Ecuador avoided conceding a stoppage-time penalty after a VAR review, earning a spot in the Copa America quarterfinals with a 0-0 draw against Mexico on Sunday night.

Mexico was initially awarded a penalty by referee Mario Alberto Escobar Toca, when Ecuador's Felix Torres took down Mexican forward Guillermo Martinez Ayala in the penalty box. VAR rescinded the penalty because Torres touched the ball, and Mexico was awarded a corner kick, sending a chorus of boos raining down from the Mexican fans at State Farm Stadium in Arizona.

"I don't like to talk about the referee. It is what it is, and I believe we have more possibilities now that we have VAR," Mexico coach Jaime Lozano said. "After an early exit, I don't want to talk about the referee."