Salomon Rondon scored from a penalty kick in the 57th minute, and Venezuela advanced to the Copa America quarterfinals with a 1-0 win over Mexico on Wednesday night.
Venezuela, which opened with a 2-1 win over Ecuador, maintained its second place in Group B. Mexico started with a 1-0 win over Jamaica and moved up to three points against Ecuador, who beat the winless Reggae Boys 3-0. 1 a.m. Wednesday.
Mexico plays Ecuador on Sunday in Glendale, Arizona, needing a win to advance. Venezuela has already eliminated Jamaica in Austin, Texas.
Venezuela have drawn 13 consecutive matches against El Tri.
Brazilian referee Raphael Claus awarded a penalty kick after Julián Quiñoned pushed Jon Aramburu into the penalty area.
Rondon sent the kick to the right of goalkeeper Julio González, who jumped to his left and Rondon scored his 42nd goal in 107 international appearances. His scoring total is almost double that of Juan Arango, the second-highest scorer among Venezuelan players. 23 goals.
Salomon Rondon scores from penalty kick to give Venezuela a 1-0 lead over Mexico | Copa America 2024
Mexico were awarded a penalty kick after Miguel Navarro handballed a shot from Jorge Sánchez, but Rafael Romo jumped to the right and pushed Orbelin Pineda’s penalty wide in the 87th minute.
While Vinotinto have advanced to the quarter-finals for the third time in four competitions, Mexico are on the verge of first-round exit for the third time in their last four trips to the Copa America.
Under Argentine coach Fernando Bautista, Venezuela have lost just twice in their last 15 games – to Italy and Colombia.
Mexico’s midfield was without Edson Alvarez, who suffered a hamstring injury against Jamaica and will be ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.
Mexico vs. Venezuela Highlights | 2024 Copa America
Associated Press reports.
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