- Venezuela flies into the Quarterfinals following 3-0 victory over Jamaica. La Vinotinto won all three of their Group Stage matches in CONMEBOL Copa América™ for the first time in history.
- Ecuador is the second team to advance from Group B following their 0-0 draw with Mexico.
Highlights
- Venezuela scores three goals to put away Jamaica, and win Group B. Bello, Rondon, and Ramirez all on the scoresheet.
- Jamaica’s journey at CONMEBOL Copa América 2024™ ends.
Match summary
A packed Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas was ready to witness history of Sunday night in the meeting between Venezuela vs Jamaica. No matter the result, the crowd would go home seeing something for the record books. If La Vinotinto were to win, the team would have won three straight matches during CONMEBOL Copa América™ for the first time in their history. If Jamaica drew with Venezuela or won, they would earn their first ever point at the competition.
After the first 45 minutes, it seemed that a draw would be the most likely outcome. Jamaican winger Renaldo Cephas had the matches’ best chance in the first half when in the 20’ minute, fullback Jon Bell sent in a great cross to the darting Cephas. It seemed destined to be the Reggae Boyz’s second ever CONMEBOL Copa América™ goal, but his effort went over the crossbar.
Venezuelan winger Darwin Machis, who will miss the Quarterfinals due to yellow card accumulation, also had a decent chance when he over-hit a cross meant for one of his attackers in the Jamaican box. Jahmali Waite had to act quickly to stop the cross from going into the upper left hand corner of his net. In the end, not many chances were created and both teams entered the break with the score 0-0.
It all changed in the second half. Venezuela looked like a different team, scoring two quick goals through Eduard Bello and Salomon Rodon to start the second 45. Bello got on the end of a great cross from Jon Aramburu to score La Vinotinto’s first goal in the 49’ and Rodon put away the second after an excellent Yangel Herrera through-ball in the 56’. The La Vinotinto wave continued to crash against the island nation’s defense.
In the 85’ substitutes Eric Ramirez and Kervin Andrade combined for Venezuela's third goal. A beautiful pass from Andrade found Ramirez running through on goal and the striker made no mistake.
The third victory for Venezuela in this tournament ended with three goals. History made, and a beautiful night for those with La Vinotinto running through in their veins.
What’s next?
La Vinotinto is headed to the Quarterfinals against Group A’s Canada on July 5 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas while Jamaica’s time at CONMEBOL Copa América™ comes to a close.
Lineups:
Jamaica: Waite; Harding, Pinnock, Hector, Bell; Lowe, Palmer, Latibeaudiere; Cephas, Antonio, Gray
Used substitutes: Dixon, Nicholson, Anderson, Marshall, King
Cards: Hector (Yellow)
Coach: Heimir Hallgrimsson
Venezuela: Romo; González, Osorio ,Aramburu, Angel; Herrera, Martinez; Bello, Segovia, Machis; Rondón.
Used substitutes: Soteldo, Rincon, Andrade, Ramirez, Makoun
Cards: Machis (Yellow)
Coach: Fernando Batista
Superior Player of the Match Michelob ULTRA: Solomon Rondon
Goals: 49’, Eduard Bello (VEN), 56’, Salomon Rondon, (VEN), 85’, Eric Ramirez (VEN)
Referee: Maurizio Mariani (Italy)
Venue: Q2 Stadium, Austin, Texas (USA)
