Venezuela defeat Mexico 1-0 to top group B in 2024 Copa America

Venezuela advances to the Copa America quarterfinals after a dramatic victory over Mexico, marking their first win against El Tri since 1982.

After winning starts to their 2024 Copa America campaigns, Venezuela and Mexico locked horns in their battle for the top spot in Group B at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.

The Edson Alvarez-less Mexico almost had a dream start to the match when they nearly took the lead in the opening 20 seconds through striker Santiago Giménez. Both teams showed urgency in play as the match got off to a fast start with early chances at either end.

Around the 30th-minute mark, Venezuela almost took the lead as, following a fast break, captain Salomón Rondón hit the woodwork with a left-footed effort to keep the scores level.

As the first half drew to a close, the match started to get a bit chippy, with both sides throwing strong challenges at each other in their attempt to regain possession.

In an evenly poised half, El Tri and La Vinotinto were close to scoring the breakthrough goal, with both teams struggling to find the back of the net.

Venezuela started the second half brightly as they put Mexico goalkeeper Julio González to the test with their first shot on target in the game. This was followed by a swift counterattack by La Vinotinto that nearly paid off but was not capitalized on.

Venezuela finally got lucky in their pursuit of the opening goal when right-back Jon Aramburu drew a foul in the penalty area after a poor challenge from Mexico’s Julián Quiñones. Captain and star striker Salomón Rondón stepped up for the penalty, which he converted with a bottom-left corner finish to give Venezuela a vital 1-0 lead in the match.

With not much time left in the game, El Tri missed yet another massive chance. In the dying stages of the match, Mexico was given a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty after a long VAR check. However, in dramatic fashion, they failed to convert the opportunity as substitute Orbelín Pineda, who stepped up for the penalty, saw his bottom left corner placement saved by the heroics of goalkeeper Rafael Romo to keep the game at 1-0.

Venezuela held on to their narrow lead as they defeated Mexico 1-0 to go top of the Group B standings with two wins and six points in the bag.

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