Venezuela advances with 100% in Copa América after victory against Jamaica

Venezuela secured its place in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Copa América with a resounding victory over Jamaica, winning 3-0 this Sunday (30). With this victory, the Venezuelan team ended the group stage with a 100% campaign, leading Group B. Now, the team will face Canada in search of a place in the semifinals.

The 20,000 fans at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, were thrilled by second-half goals scored by Eduard Bello (48th minute), Salomón Rondón (56th minute) and Eric Ramírez (85th minute). The historic victory marks the first time that Venezuela has advanced to the quarterfinals of the continental tournament with three consecutive victories.

Venezuela was the big surprise of the Copa América group stage, winning three victories. They beat Ecuador in their debut 2-1, beat Mexico 1-0, and defeated Jamaica in the last round.

_{Rondón thanks the fans after qualifying (Photo: reproduction/Aric Becker/AFP)}

Field Performance

Venezuela started the match against Jamaica with a defensive posture, betting on quick transitions, while the Jamaicans dominated possession of the ball in the opening minutes. Even with the advantage in controlling possession, the Reggae Boyz had difficulty finishing with precision and threatening goalkeeper Rafael Romo.

In the final minutes of the first half, Venezuela almost opened the scoring with an unexpected move. Darwin Machís, on the right side of the attack, crossed the ball, which ended up heading towards goalkeeper Jahmali White's left corner. White had to stretch as much as possible to avoid the goal.

In the second half, the efficiency that was lacking at the beginning quickly appeared. In the third minute, Edouard Bello took advantage of a cross from the left side and headed it into the ground, beating White and opening the scoring for Venezuela. The Venezuelan fans, who were the majority at Q2 Stadium, celebrated intensely.

With spirits high, Venezuela maintained an attacking stance. In the 12th minute, Yangel Herrera passed a through ball to Salomón Rondón. The center forward collided with the defender, but managed to displace Jahmali White with a subtle touch of his left foot, extending the lead.

Jamaica created spaces that Venezuela knew how to take advantage of. In the 40th minute, Kervin Andrade passed the ball to Eric Ramírez, who advanced quickly and finished past the goalkeeper, making it 3-0.

Featured Photo: Rondon was the scorer of Venezuela's second goal against Jamaica (Reproduction/Aric Becker/AFP)