Venezuela vs Mexico live updates: 2024 Copa America match latest ...
Copa America, Group Stage - Group B - Matchweek 2
Follow live reaction to Venezuela’s 1-0 Copa America victory over Mexico, which puts them in the driving seat in Group B
Michael Dominski
June 26, 2024 at 11:18 PM EDT
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The Athletic
Score a penalty, save a penalty, and then hold on for dear life – a simple, straightforward victory for Venezuela.
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Salomon Rondon's goal from the penalty spot was his first at Copa America since scoring against Argentina in 2016.
All the talk in the leadup to this tournament was that Jaime Lozano will remain manager until the end of the 2026 World Cup, irrespective of what happens at Copa America.
"We want to take advantage of this great opportunity to not think about the immediacy of the result and project our path to 2026," Mexico sporting director Duilio Davino said.
That kind of thing is easy to say beforehand though. You wonder what the public reaction would be if Mexico were eliminated in the group stage here – and that's a very real prospect now.
Here's how Group B stands after two matches for each team:
Venezuela have clinched a spot in the quarterfinals, while Jamaica have been eliminated from knockout-stage contention.
Ecuador and Mexico face off at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on Sunday in a match that will decide which team joins Venezuela in the quarterfinals. Mexico need to win to advance, while a draw or a win will suffice for Ecuador.
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Lots of bad blood at the end of this match. Before the full-time whistle, a Venezuela player went to the ground clutching his face after an apparent headbutt by a Mexico player. And then after the whistle, the teams had to be separated as Mexico's frustration boiled over.
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The whistle blows for full time and Venezuela have done it! They advance to the quarterfinals!
90+6' Venezuela 1-0 Mexico
A massive tackle by a Venezuelan defender in the penalty area wins a goal kick. That was awfully reckless and could have very easily resulted in a penalty, but instead Mexico's attack is over and they may be out of time now!
90+5' Venezuela 1-0 Mexico
Time is running out for Mexico. They're attacking in waves but Venezuela are standing tall!
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90+3' Venezuela 1-0 Mexico
This is a heroic second half for Venezuela, but an even greater capitulation by Mexico. As frenetic as it gets over the last 20 minutes, desperate for resolve.
Forget the Copa – given the state of the pool and the lack of players testing themselves beyond Liga MX, they may not be ready to contend at the 2026 World Cup.
90+1' Venezuela 1-0 Mexico
How have Mexico not equalized there?!
Romo rushed out to make a fantastic save from point-blank range before a follow-up shot was blocked by a defender on the floor!
90+1' Venezuela 1-0 Mexico
Six minutes left for Mexico to find an equalizer.
89' Venezuela 1-0 Mexico
Christian Makoun comes on for Yangel Herrera. Both sides are out of subs now.
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88' Venezuela 1-0 Mexico
Total lack of conviction in that penalty. Which rather sums up Mexico.
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87' Venezuela 1-0 Mexico
Romo denies Pineda! It wasn't the strongest of penalties but what a save!
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86' Venezuela 1-0 Mexico
After reviewing the play on the monitor the referee has awarded Mexico a penalty! Their shot hit Navarro in the hand before the ball then struck his face.
84' Venezuela 1-0 Mexico
Venezuela may be in trouble here as VAR has called the referee to the monitor. A Mexico shot appears to have hit Navarro in the hand in the box.
83' Venezuela 1-0 Mexico
Venezuela make another two changes as Wilker Ángel and Jhonder Cádiz replace the goalscorer Salomón Rondón and Yeferson Soteldo.
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80' Venezuela 1-0 Mexico
A Mexican cross rolls across the face of goal but before any of their players can slam it home, Venezuela's defense get to it just in time!
78' Venezuela 1-0 Mexico
Mexico make their fifth and final sub, bringing Orbelín Pineda on for Julián Quiñones.
