Venezuela’s Salomon Rondon reacts after scoring a goal during the first half of a Copa America Group C soccer match against Uruguay on Thursday, June 9, 2016, in Philadelphia.
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Alejandro Guerra almost chipped Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera from midfield, which left Rondon all alone to tap in the rebound.
Surprise package Venezuela shocked Uruguay at the Copa America Thursday, winning 1-0 to all but seal a quarter-final spot and an early exit for Oscar Tabarez’s men. And if he got upset, that is something I was not aware of.
They were joined in the last eight by Mexico, who beat Jamaica 2-0 at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena thanks to goals from Javier Hernandez and Oribe Peralta.
Luis Suarez missed his second consecutive game for Uruguay with a hamstring injury. “The player is not ready to play”, Tabarez said after the match.
For Venezuela, looking for their maiden title, it was a first win in nine Copa America meetings with Uruguay while Rondon became the first “Vinotinto” (red wine) player to score at three tournaments.
“In general terms, we were superior in front of a great opponent”, said Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio, who is still ideal in his new job.
That was all Mexico needed to advance to the quarterfinals after a second straight solid performance in the group stage.
Tabarez would not play Suarez since he was not 100%.
‘The situation is just what I told you yesterday. Replays showed the defender didn’t get a touch on the ball.
“The Uruguay that we are saw today are a long way from the Uruguay we saw play not that long ago”. Meaning that, if the Uruguayan team is defeated Suarez will have missed out on the tournament in its entirety, as this would be the end of the squad’s run in this year’s Copa América.
A point for Mexico in their game with Jamaica will eliminate Uruguay.
Cavani had a chance to equalize for Uruguay in the 90th, finding space in the middle of the penalty area but inexplicably shooting wide.
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Venezuela will now face Mexico in their final first round game to determine who finishes top of Group C.
