(VIDEO) Copa América 2024 Highlights: Jamaica vs Venezuela
The Venezuelan national team defeated Jamaica with a 3-0 result, thanks to goals from Eduard Bello (49'), Salomón Rondón (56') and Eric Ramírez (84'), in the last regular phase match of the 2024 Copa América, held at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. Thanks to this result, combined with the draw between Mexico and Ecuador, the Vinotinto team advanced to the next phase with 9 points, the result of a historic streak of three wins, finishing in first place in Group B.
In the early minutes of the match, La Vinotinto made the first dangerous play, thanks to the skill of Eduard Bello - a player for Mazatlán FC in Mexico - who sought to finish the counterattack by trying to find Salomón Rondón in the six-yard box. However, the ball ended up in the hands of Jahmali Waite, goalkeeper for Jamaica and El Paso Locomotive, from the USL Championship in the United States.
The second dangerous approach from the South Americans came in the 15th minute, with a shot from Darwin Machís - a player for Cádiz - that went close to Waite's goal. Five minutes after the Venezuelan forward's shot, the Jamaican team found their first opportunity on goal; however, Renaldo Cephas' header went wide of La Vinotinto's goal.
In the 26th minute, Damion Lowe managed to connect a header from an Ethan Pinnock cross, but the ball went over the goal defended by Rafael Romo, the goalkeeper for Universidad Católica in Ecuador's Serie A. It wasn't until the 37th minute that Venezuela created another opportunity, thanks to Rondón's efforts; however, the shot lacked direction and went over the crossbar.
Waite made the best save of the match in the 40th minute, denying a goal with a right-hand save. The dangerous play came from Machís, who attempted a shot aimed for the top corner of the Caribbean goal.
The first half ended with a corner kick in favor of Venezuela, which concluded with a chest control by Cephas, who carried the ball to the midfield. The play ended after a foul on the Ankaragücü winger from Turkey.
At the 49th minute, Venezuela's team could breathe a sigh of relief after Bello scored the first goal of the match with a precise header assisted by Jon Aramburu. The goal sparked celebrations among the spectators at Q2 Stadium, marking the first time in history that the Vinotinto team has gone on a three-game unbeaten streak in the Copa America.
Just six minutes after opening the scoring, Venezuela managed to extend their lead thanks to a brilliant play by Salomón Rondón, who skillfully finished with precision after a great assist from Yangel Herrera.
After scoring two goals, the South American team slowed down the pace of the game to secure a historic result. Despite having several opportunities, their shots were often blocked by the Caribbean goalkeeper. Jamaica, on the other hand, pushed forward to try to narrow the gap; however, their efforts were in vain.
In the 84th minute, Venezuela effectively sealed the victory with a goal from Eric Ramírez, who had been on the field for only three minutes as a substitute. His goal was confirmed by VAR.
With the result secured, Venezuela's national team will face Canada in the next phase of the Copa America, while Ecuador, the other advancing team, will take on Argentina