From Deseret News archives:

Mexico advances in Copa America soccer tournament , U.S. faces Paraguay

Published: Monday, July 2, 2007 11:11 a.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
MATURIN, Venezuela (AP) — Mexico became the first team to advance to the quarterfinals of the Copa America, beating Ecuador 2-1 Sunday on goals by Nery Castillo and Omar Bravo.

Castillo scored his second goal of the tournament in the 22nd minute and Bravo doubled the lead in the 80th. Edison Mendez scored for Ecuador in the 85th on a shot that deflected off the foot of a Mexican player.

Mexico (3-0), which has won two straight following a 2-1 loss to the United States in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final, tops Group B with six points, followed by Brazil and Chile (1-1) with three apiece and Ecuador (0-2).

El Tri opened with a 2-0 victory over Brazil.

"We dream about winning the Copa, but we need to take things slowly — qualifying for the quarterfinals was just the first step," Mexico coach Hugo Sanchez said. "Just because we beat Brazil, we shouldn't be considered the tournament favorites."

In the opener of the doubleheader in South America's championship, Robinho converted a disputed penalty kick in the 35th minute, then added goals in the 83rd and 87th minutes to lead Brazil over Chile 3-0.

Story continues below
Coming off the loss to Mexico, the defending champions struggled to overcome a team that beat Ecuador 3-2 in its opener. Robinho put Brazil ahead after Paraguayan referee Carlos Torres called a questionable pushing foul on defender Miguel Riffo in the penalty area.

The United States, beaten 4-1 by Argentina in its opener, plays Paraguay on Monday. The U.S. team and Mexico are invited guests.

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

Image
Marcelo Hernandez, Associated Press

Brazil's Gilberto, left, battles for the ball with Humberto Suazo of Chile, during a Copa America Group B soccer match in Venezuela.

previousnext

Latest comments

So "About Time", while I feel for your health challenges and realize it is...

Market and skill dictates salary. Are the rich people making you poorer?...

you can down talk Wynn's performance because it was against an 0-8 team but...

Letters: Vegas should conserve

Really, the question is about economics and freedom. Forced conservation is...

2A: Broncos stampede South Sevier

Will the real PAPER TIGER plaase stand up!!! South Sevier was the real PAPER...

Away in a manger

My grandma had nearly 30 incredibly unique sets from around the world.She...

The country is already divided. Talk Radio didn't do it. There will always...

I competely understand the votes of bishop and Chaffetz, they are...

And this is how Democracy goes down? With thunderous applause?

Demos' losses could rise

If Dems can achieve three key objectives in the coming year, Dems will keep...

Advertisements
Advertisement