From the editorial staff
La Jornada Newspaper
Thursday, June 27, 2024, p. a10
A long wait has paid off for Ecuador and Jamaica, although for each in a different way. Amidst the controversy, the South Americans celebrated a victory in the Copa America again after 27 years by beating Ecuador 3-1. Reggae Boyzwho scored their first goal in the history of the competition after three editions.
Although the team led by Spaniard Félix Sánchez Bas ended a drought of victories in the tournament, the narrative was overshadowed by referee decisions. The VAR benefited Ecuador on two occasions, both to award them a goal and to prevent the Jamaicans from tying.
The sound and dance accompanied the Ecuadorian fans upon their arrival at Allegiant Stadium, it was like a good omen heading into a game that would be historic. The last time Ecuador won a match in a Copa América was in Bolivia 1997 when they beat Paraguay 2-0.
Kasey Palmer demonstrated her ability to read the game by rescuing the ball on the edge of the area and finishing with a cross shot to give the Ecuadorians the lead in the 13th minute.
The desperation to avoid another defeat led the Caribbeans to commit a handball, a foul that was validated in a VAR review by the Chilean referee Cristian Garay. The precise finish by Kendry Páez would only result in the goal via penalty.
First Jamaican goal
Jamaica’s history in the competition was also one of suffering. In three editions (2015, 2016 and 2024) they have never won or scored a goal. Yesterday Michail Antonio (54) gave them their first goal in the history of the tournament by catching the ball on a rebound to send it into the net. The goal motivated them to the point of generating great danger for the rival and unleashing controversy.
The referee reviewed an attacking play by Jamaica for a possible handball by Alan Franco, but the referee ruled that there was no foul, as the ball hit the player’s face. The Caribbean fans claimed a steal, while the South Americans took advantage of that anger to seal the game.
In a counterattack, Alan Minda beat the goalkeeper to score the third goal. The story was written, the Reggae Boyz They will still have to look for their first victory now against Venezuela, while Ecuador sends a warning to Mexico.
2024-06-27 10:10:38
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