Venezuela beat Mexico 1-0 in the quarter-finals of the Copa America on Wednesday, ensuring Jamaica’s exit from the tournament.
Veteran Mexican striker Salomon Rondon struck the only goal from the penalty spot to secure all three points for Venezuela, who top Group ‘B’ with six points from two games.
Meanwhile, Mexico can qualify for the knockout rounds with a win against Ecuador in their final group game on Sunday.
Mexico’s Orbelian Pineda missed an 87th-minute spot kick that would have tied the score at 1-1, only to be saved by Venezuela goalkeeper Rafael Romo.
Earlier, Rondon had given Venezuela the lead from the penalty spot in the 57th minute after Mexico’s Julian Quinez brought down Venezuela’s Jon Armaboro with a clumsy challenge.
Venezuela’s win confirmed Jamaica’s exit from the tournament after a 3-1 loss to Ecuador in Las Vegas on Wednesday.
Ecuador, who were beaten by Venezuela in their opening match on Saturday, staged a spirited second-half rally by the Reggae Boys to secure a vital three points at the Allegiant Stadium.
The South Americans looked set for victory after Casey Palmer’s own goal and a penalty from Chelsea youngster Kendry Pease made it 2-0.
However, Jamaica pulled a goal back from veteran striker Michael Antonio early in the second half and then had strong claims for a disallowed penalty 15 minutes before full-time.
However, Ecuador saved the game in stoppage time with Alan Munda’s breakaway goal as Jamaica pushed for an equalizer.
Ecuador doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time from the penalty spot.
17-year-old Paez – who will join (PL) Premier League giants Chelsea in July 2025 when he turns 18 – stepped up to calmly stroke the spot-kick into the bottom corner.
Antonio curled home a low shot on 54 minutes after Ecuador failed to clear a corner, pulling a young Jamaican back early in the second half.
