Venezuela advances to Copa America quarterfinals with a 1-0 win over Mexico on Rondon goal

Wed, Jun 26, 2024
Soccer News (AP)

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) - Salomon Rondon scored on a penalty kick in the 57th minute, and Venezuela advanced to the Copa America quarterfinals with 1-0 victory over Mexico on Wednesday night.

Venezuela, which opened with a 2-1 win over Ecuador, is assured finishing among the top two in Group B. Mexico began with a 1-0 victory over Jamaica and has three points along with Ecuador, which defeated the winless Reggae Boyz 3-1 earlier Wednesday.

Mexico plays Ecuador at Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday, and needs a victory to advance. Venezuela faces already eliminated Jamaica at Austin, Texas.

Venezuela ended a 13-game winless streak against El Tri.

Brazilian referee Raphael Claus awarded the penalty kick when Julian Quinoned shoved Jon Aramburu in the penalty area.

Rondon sent his kick to the right of goalkeeper Julio Gonzalez, who jumped left, and Rondon got his 42nd goal in 107 international appearances. His scoring total is almost double that of Juan Arango, second among Venezuelans with 23.

Mexico was awarded a penalty kick for a handball by Miguel Navarro on Jorge Sanchez's shot but Rafael Romo leapt to his right to push Orbelin Pineda's penalty kick wide in the 87th minute.

RELATED COVERAGE

Without main opposition contender, Venezuela candidates vow to respect presidential election results

Venezuela's ruling party tests its organizing efforts ahead of next month's presidential election

As Maduro shifts from migration denier to defender, Venezuelans consider leaving if he is reelected

While the Vinotinto reached the quarterfinals for the third time in four tournaments, Mexico is on the verge of first-round elimination for the third time in its last four Copa America trips.

Under Argentinian coach Fernando Batista, the Venezuelans have just two losses in their last 15 matches, to Italy and Colombia.

Mexico's midfield was without Edson Alvarez, who injured a hamstring against Jamaica and will miss the rest of the tournament.

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/soccer