Venezuela caused a surprise at the Copa America in the USA with a 1-0 (0-0) win against Mexico and secured an early ticket for the quarter-finals.
In the heated duel in Los Angeles, veteran Salomon Rondon made Venezuela, who are currently fourth in the South American World Cup qualifiers and dream of participating in a World Cup finals for the first time, celebrate with a converted penalty (57th minute).
Mexico’s Orbelin Pineda fails from the penalty spot
Mexico had the chance to equalize in the turbulent final phase, but Orbelin Pineda failed with a handball penalty (88th) after a VAR decision against goalkeeper Rafael Romo.
Piero Hincapie shines in Ecuador’s victory
In the second match of the day in Group B, Ecuador improved its chances of reaching the last eight thanks to Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie with a 3-1 (2-0) win against Jamaica in Las Vegas. In the 13th minute, the 22-year-old Hincapie sent a cross almost from the corner flag, which, lightly touched by Jamaican Kasey Palmer, spectacularly spun over goalkeeper Jahmali Waite into the far corner of the goal.
Jamaica with its first goal at the Copa America
The 17-year-old Kendry Paez (45th+4, handball penalty) and Alan Minda (90th+1) increased the score for Ecuador, which had lost its opening match 1:2 against Venezuela. Thanks to England legionnaire Michail Antonio (54th), Jamaica at least scored its first goal in its eighth Copa America game, but it was still not enough to win its first point in its third participation as a guest at the South American continental tournament.
In order to advance alongside Venezuela (six points), which is the second team after defending champion Argentina to reach the quarter-finals early, Ecuador now needs a draw in their direct duel with Mexico (both three points) due to the better goal difference. Jamaica already has no chance of reaching the quarter-finals after two defeats.
