Mexico rolled over the South American team on Sunday in Phoenix, but Pereira said Uruguay had come back in more challenging tournaments and would have to do it again at the Copa America, reports Efe.
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To make matters worse for Mexico, Guardado was sent off for the foul that led to the free kick, leveling up each team on 10 players each. Mexico scored a goal in the first five minutes and then pulled away late in the second half to avoid a draw.
Mexico’s advantage was extended when Uruguay midfielder Matias Vecino was dismissed moments before the break, but a red card for the impressive Guardado soon afterwards levelled the two teams.
In blazing hot sunshine at Chicagos famous Soldier Field Stadium, Jamaica made life hard for themselves with Rodolph Austin sent off midway through the first half for a rash challenge on Tomas Rincon. Mexico also had a player booked and another sent off.
Copa America organizers later released a statement blaming “human error” for the blooper. The game appeared headed for a draw but Marquez rifled home score his 16th global goal in 131 appearances to put Mexico 2-1 up and Herrera added his injury-time third.
With the win, Mexico extends their win streak to 10, their unbeaten streak to 20, and now have control over first place in Group C. Mexico will have a few days to rest and get ready to take on Jamaica in Pasadena on June 9.
That’s more than double the average of 19,108 fans for the first set of group games a year ago at the Copa America in Chile. The forwards from Jamaica have severely struggled this match against a Venezuela defense that wasn’t at their best.
Uruguay faces Venezuela in Philadelphia on Thursday night.
Uruguay attempted to claw their way back into the match in the second half and found their equalizer in the 73 minute.
Venezuela’s Rolf Feltscher (L-R), Alejandro Guerra, Luis Manuel Seijas, Jose Salomon Rondon and Josef Martinez celebrate Martinez’s goal during the first half.
The circumstances surrounding the apparent expulsion of Jamaica’s veteran German coach Schaefer remained unclear. Coach Winfried Schafer was sent off at halftime and Jamaica would limp to a 1-0 loss despite plenty of chances to equalize in the second half.
Venezuela nearly doubled their lead in the 70th minute only for Wilker Angel’s powerful diving header to be parried away by Blake.
Five minutes before the game ended, the no. 4 player smashed a lovely goal that basically wiped out the goalkeeper, securing his team’s evident victory even further.
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“We gave blood, sweat and tears but unfortunately we didn’t hit the back of the net”.
