2 Consecutive Wins of Surprise' Venezuela Advances to Quarterfinals of Copa America
Ecuador scores first goal in tournament history as they beat Jamaica 3-1
In the 2024 South American Football Championship (Copa America) Group B, the Venezuelan national football team, which has the lowest FIFA ranking, has upset the competition by winning two games in a row to be the first to advance to the quarterfinals.
On the 27th (Korean time), Venezuela defeated Mexico 1-0 in the second Group B match of the tournament held at SoPay Stadium in Inglewood, California, USA.
Venezuela, ranked 54th in the FIFA rankings, won 2-1 against Ecuador (30th) in the first match, and upset Mexico (15th) in the second match. 메이저사이트
With two consecutive wins and six points, Venezuela advanced to the quarterfinals of the tournament for the first time in five years since 2019.
Mexico will play its final group match against Jamaica (53rd), who has already been eliminated, on the 1st.
The Copa America is a competition to determine the best football country in South America, but this year, in accordance with the agreement between the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) and the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Football (CONCACAF), 10 South American countries and 6 North and Central American countries will participate, making it a festival for the entire American continent.
The top 2 teams from each of the 4 groups will advance to the quarterfinals and compete in a single match to determine the winner.
Venezuela dominated the game against Mexico, allowing 18 shots on goal, but they won the game with a penalty kick.
In the 12th minute of the second half, Jose Salomon Rondon neatly kicked the penalty kick that Hon Aramburu earned, scoring the first winning goal.
In the 41st minute of the second half, Mexico earned a penalty kick, which seemed to change the flow of the game.
After a video review (VAR), a handball foul by Venezuela was confirmed, and a penalty kick was awarded to Mexico.
Goalkeeper Rafael Romo saved the opponent's kick to secure Venezuela's victory.
Romo, along with the defenders, tightly blocked the goal and made several 'super saves', standing tall as the 'top contributor' to the victory.
Mexico, which stayed at 3 points with 1 win and 1 loss, fell behind 2nd place Ecuador in goal difference, and came in 3rd.
In another Group B match, Ecuador crushed Jamaica 3-1.
Ecuador went ahead in the 13th minute of the first half with an own goal by their opponent.
Piero Inkafié's cross from the left flank hit the Jamaican defender's leg and went into the upper corner of the goal beyond the goalkeeper's reach.
Ecuador made it 2-0 in the first half's added time with a penalty kick by 17-year-old midfielder Kendry Paes.
Ecuador conceded a goal to Jamaica's Michail Antonio in a goal-line melee after a corner kick in the 9th minute of the second half.
This goal was Jamaica's first goal in the tournament.
Ecuador ended Jamaica's pursuit with an additional goal by Alan Minda just before the end of the match and secured the victory.
Ecuador will face Mexico in their final group match on the 1st for a spot in the quarterfinals.
Jamaica, who suffered two losses, were eliminated from the group stage.