An early goal from Gonzalo Plata helped Ecuador see off Mexico 1-0 at the Gdynia Stadium on Wednesday, in the final round of Group B matches at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Poland 2019.
The Ecuadorians controlled the pace of a first half that saw few clear-cut chances for either side. Their breakthrough came 12 minutes in when Gustavo Vallecilla motored past three defenders to reach the byline and pull the ball back for Gonzalo Plata, who calmly finished from 12 yards.
Seven minutes later it looked as if Mexico had equalised. But after consultation with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), the referee ruled out Mario Trejo's set-piece header as the Mexico defender was adjudged to be offside.
Jose Macias managed El Tri's best effort of the second half with another header, but Ecuador goalkeeper Moises Ramirez saved well to his right, ensuring that Mexico's U-20 World Cup came to an end.
Though Ecuador close out Group B behind Italy and Japan, La Tricolor's four points give them a strong chance of reaching the final 16 as one of the top four third-place finishers. They will have to wait for other results to decide their Poland 2019 fate.