Defending champions Brazil beat Ecuador 1-0 to complete the
quarterfinal line-up at the Copa America on Wednesday after Chile
had also advanced to the last eight by holding Mexico to a goalless
draw.
The results mean that United States and Colombia, who each lost
their opening two matches, were eliminated before meeting in their
last game in Group C yesterday.
Robinho, the only player to have scored for Brazil in the first
round, notched his fourth goal of the tournament as his penalty
gave his side a fortuitous win.
Earlier, Chile and Mexico were booed off the field after opening
the Group B double-header with a dismal match.
Mexico topped Group B with seven points, followed by Brazil on
six and Chile with four. Ecuador propped up the table after losing
all three of their games.
Chile qualified as the best of the two third-placed teams in the
three groups and will meet Brazil again in their quarter-final in
Puerto La Cruz on Saturday.
Hosts Venezuela will meet Uruguay, who finished as the second
third-placed team, in San Cristobal the same day.
Mexico worry?
The only issue to be sorted out is the order in which Paraguay
and Argentina finish in Group C.
The teams each have six points from their first two games and
meet on Thursday with Paraguay needing a draw to finish top.
The winners will play Peru in Barquisimeto on Sunday and the
losers take on Mexico in Maturin.
"Whoever it is, I'm sure they'll be worried about facing
Mexico," Mexican coach Hugo Sanchez told reporters after his team's
result.
Mexico, already qualified, and Chile, needing a point, produced
the tournament's second goalless stalemate in match devoid of
goalmouth action.
However, there were no apologies from either coach
afterwards.
"We didn't want to get caught in their trap and play the type of
game they wanted," Sanchez added.
"We qualified and that's what is important. Football depends a
lot upon the moment," Chile coach Nelson Acosta said.
They were followed by Brazil and Ecuador, who both played to win
but failed to create many chances.
The breakthrough came as Brazil were awarded a 56th minute
penalty when Robinho fell theatrically under a challenge from
Giovanny Espinoza.
The Real Madrid player took the kick himself and scored with a
low shot into the right hand corner.
"It's very difficult for Brazil because the other teams close up
against us," coach Dunga said.
(China Daily via Agencies July 6, 2007)