Mexico and Chile played to a 0-0 tie Wednesday at the Copa America -- a result that suited both teams nicely and had fans fuming in Puerto la Cruz, Venezuela.

The tie clinched first place for Mexico in Group B and put Chile through to the quarterfinals as one of the two best third-place teams. It also eliminated the USA and Colombia, which can only finish with three points if one beats the other in their Group C finale in Thursday.

The Chile and Mexico players were jeered off the field after the game.

"We didn't want to get caught in their trap and play the type of game they wanted," said Mexico coach Hugo Sanchez. "I don't know if they really wanted to win. We wanted to win, but it's difficult to attack against a team like Chile who are looking after their interests."

Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa acknowledged that both teams were out to get the result they wanted.

"We were both playing for something," he said. "We have reached our target and finished top of the group and it was unlikely Chile were going to do much attacking in that situation."

Chile coach Nelson Acosta also defended his team's cautious approach.

"We wanted to win the game but, of course, we took precautions as we didn't want to leave ourselves open to the counter-attack," he said.
"We qualified and that is what is important. Soccer depends a lot upon the moment. I don't think the Chilean fans would have been very happy if we'd lost 5-0 and got knocked out."

Brazil finished second in Group B with a 1-0 win over Ecuador on Robinho's fourth goal of the tournament.

COPA AMERICA SUMMARIES:
Group B
July 4 in Puerto la Cruz
Brazil 1 Ecuador 0. Goal: Robinho pen. 56.
Brazil -- Doni, Daniel Alves (Alex Silva, 81), Alex Rodrigo, Juan, Gilberto (Kleber, 57), Josue, Mineiro, Gilberto Silva, Julio Baptista (Diego 74), Robinho, Vagner Love
Ecuador -- Elizaga, Reasco, Guagua, Espinoza, Bagui, Mendez, Castillo, Valencia, Ayovi (Caicedo, 77), Borja (C.Tenorio, 60), Benitez
Referee: Sergio Pezzotta (Argentina).
Att.: 40,000.

July 4 in Puerto la Cruz
Mexico 0 Chile 0
Mexico -- Ochoa, J.A. Castro, Magallon, Rodriguez, Lozano, Pineda (Arce, 81), Correa, Medina, Guardado (Bautista, 46), Blanco, Bravo (Landin, 74)
Chile -- Bravo, Fuentes, Contreras, Roco, Iturra, Sanhueza, Tello, Villanueva (Fernandez, 70), Fierro, Suazo, Lorca (Gonzalez, 77).
Referee: Carlos Amarilla (Paraguay).
Att.: 40,000.