2024-07-01 20:10:47
A shocking Venezuela defeated Mexico 1-0 in a dramatic match and certified for the quarterfinals of the Copa América in Group B, a end result that leaves Ecuador in an excellent place in the identical sequence after earlier beating eradicated Jamaica 3-1.
On Wednesday on the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Los Angeles, La Vinotinto confirmed its progress in current months, which led it to safe its second ticket to the quarterfinals of the event, after Argentina, and to achieve fourth place within the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in North America, for now with a direct ticket.
Skilled Venezuelan striker and captain Salomón Rondón sealed the slender victory by scoring a penalty within the 57th minute.
Mexico squandered the prospect to equalize when Venezuelan goalkeeper Rafael Romo saved a weak penalty taken by Orbelín Pineda within the 87th minute.
The Llanero crew, led by Argentine Fernando Batista, the one South American crew that has by no means certified for a World Cup, is lastly doing its homework to rid itself of the uncomfortable nickname of regional Cinderella.
Each groups had made their debut with victories within the Copa América. Venezuela defeated Ecuador 2-1 and Mexico defeated Jamaica 1-0.
Mexico, hit by the harm of its captain and nice hope, Edson Alvarez, had its possibilities to attain and pushed till the tip, nevertheless it was not sufficient. Now it should take its possibilities in opposition to Ecuador on Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Mexico coach Jaime Lozano mentioned he’s assured his crew will qualify for the quarterfinals.
“No person is getting off this ship, and we’re going to obtain it,” he mentioned at a press convention after the match in opposition to the Vinotinto.
Venezuela, already certified, leads Group B with six factors, adopted by Ecuador and Mexico, each with three, and Jamaica, which was eradicated on Wednesday, closes the group.
– Ecuador goals –
Ecuador lived as much as the predictions and beat Jamaica 3-1, who no less than had the comfort of scoring their first aim within the Copa América, of their eighth match within the continental event.
Ecuador regarded prefer it was going to be straightforward after a uncommon aim by Piero Hincapié within the thirteenth minute with an extended shot from the left flank that slipped previous goalkeeper Jahmali Waite and a penalty taken by younger star Keindry Paéz at 45+5. On the finish of the match (90+1), Alan Minda scored the third aim after a solitary gallop.
The 17-year-old is the second youngest participant to attain within the historical past of the Copa America. The striker will be a part of Chelsea when he turns 18.
“Kendry performs right here on his personal deserves, due to his high quality. Other than the footballing stress, he’s exhibiting nice persona,” mentioned his coach, the Spaniard Félix Sánchez, after the match.
The crew from the center of the world fell asleep within the second half and allowed a threatening response from Jamaica that discounted within the 54th minute by way of Michail Antonio, the primary aim for the Caribbean crew in eight years after beginning with out a aim within the 2015 and 2016 tournaments and of their debut this yr.
Solely 24,000 spectators, most of them Ecuadorians, attended an empty Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, which has a capability of 65,000 folks.
© Agence France-Presse
