Venezuela Outlasts Mexico in Copa America
So-Fi Stadium greeted two heavyweights in Group B Wednesday evening with Mexico clashing with Venezuela. In a highly anticipated match where both teams would hold three points after opening their campaigns with wins, a standstill scoreless draw would suit justice for both sides. With many of the chances coming for Mexico, the final touch was hard to come by for Jaime Lozano and his unit. Venezuela did an exceptional job in soaking the high pressure from the energized Mexican side, and would later find a way to break through versus the Mexican side.
Venezuela Outlasts Mexico in the Copa America
Unfortunately, the chances in this game were very scarce for both sides at times, and the lack of quality in the final third showed. Heading into the match as underdogs, Venezuela was comfortable to manage this game out, and potentially see themselves on a counterattack throughout the match. While Mexico dominated the possession board, it did not show on the final scoreline. The chances for Mexico were mainly created by their Feyenoord forward Santiago Gimenez, who saw himself in position a few times in the first frame. Carlos Gerardo Rodriguez was Mexico’s engine, willing them to a victory that was within distance, but far enough. His tactics playing the attacking midfield role saw him with space throughout the night, playing precision passes, ultimately lacking on the final through ball.
After a snoozy, scoreless first 45, the Venezuelans did everything right to keep it a deadlock at the break. It came in the 55th minute of play when Jon Aramburu was taken down in the penalty area by Julian Quinones of Mexico. This is where the captain, Salomon Rondon would coolly step up to take the penalty and slot in the bottom left corner. Venezuela would shock Mexico against the run of play and see themselves at a 1-0 advantage early in the second half. Mexico knew the pressure had to be applied to try and draw an equalizer late in the match. With the solidified backline of Venezuela, led by Nahuel Ferraresi, the line stood tall for the remainder of the ninety. The major cause for concern for Venezuela came in the 83rd minute, where Miguel Navarro got a handball in the box after a VAR decision. A glorious opportunity for Mexico with Orbelin Pineda stepping up for the penalty to have a chance at a draw. Moments later, a massive save by Venezuelan keeper Rafael Romo would halt Mexico equalizing. The roar from the overpowered Venezuelan fans filled the stadium, and Mexico would be living in a nightmare. Venezuela would later see the 1-0 victory come to fruition, as Mexico walked off the pitch with a sense of curiosity as to what was left on the table.
A Look Ahead
Venezuela would take all three points in the match, putting them on top of Group B with six points. While Ecuador thrashed Jamaica earlier in the day 3-1, Ecuador would jump ahead of Mexico in the group on goal differential. This would set up a do-or-die next match for Mexico, as they will take on Ecuador with a win needed to move onto the knockout stages. With Jamaica being eliminated from contention, the pride will play a major role in their next match against Venezuela. Venezuela will book their ticket to the knockouts after the victory tonight and will look to rest some key players in the following match.
