Venezuela maintained their winning run in Copa America as they thrashed Jamaica 3-0 to top Group B in Austin, TX. The victory propels them into the Quarter Final of the competition.
Match Result
Goal Scorers
Eduard Bello 49′; Salomon Rondon 56′; Eric Ramirez 85′ 
First Half Analysis
Jamaica had a strong start in the first 25 minutes of the match, creating several scoring opportunities. However, things could have been different after the 10th minute, Venezuela’s Darwin Machis received a yellow card, but it was later overturned following a VAR review for red-card as it was not considered a serious foul. After that, Venezuela dominated possession and consistently applied pressure. Despite creating numerous chances, they were unable to convert them into goals.
- Jamaica’s early domination
- Darwin Machís survived an early VAR scare
- Venezuela’s constant pressure in the end
Second Half Highlights
Venezuela began the second half with a strong showing, scoring the opening goal in the 49th minute. Eduard Bello scored a fine header after receiving a wonderful cross from Jon Arambaru from the left hand side. After that it was a one way traffic, as Venezuela continued to dominate the game, scoring their second and third goals in the 57th and 86th minute. Jamaica struggled in the second half and failed to assert themselves in the match.
- Eduard Bello made the breakthrough in the 49th minute
- Venezuela didn’t allow Jamaica to settle in the game
- Erick Ramírez’s fine strike capped off a dominating win for Venezuela
Match Defining Moments
Darwin Machís VAR scare:
Jamaica came out strong in the match, creating several scoring opportunities. However, the game changed when Venezuela’s Darwin Machís fouled Joel Latibeaudiere in the 10th minute. Initially, Machís was shown a yellow card, but VAR intervened to assess the severity of the foul. After a quick review, Machís’ yellow card was upheld as the foul was not considered serious or intentional.
Eduard Bello’s fine goal:
After a goalless first half, Venezuela made a bright start in the second half as Eduard Bello scored in the 49th minute, giving them a well-deserved lead. After Jon Aramburu provided a delightful cross, Bello directed a fine header into the net, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. This goal changed the course of the match in their favour as they started to play with more composure since then.
Salomón Rondón clutch goal:
Jamaica still had hope for a comeback in the match despite the score being 1-0. However, Rondón stepped up and scored with his left foot after a wonderful assist by Yangel Herrera.The goal scored in the 57th minute sealed the match as the second half was all about Venezuela.
Implications and Future Prospects
For Jamaica: The Reggae Boyz did not assert themselves in the competition and their run came to an end with another loss. Jamaica have never been able to advance past the group stage. The goal against Ecuador was their first in the competition’s history after playing for the third time. After failing to secure a single point, there will be plenty of thoughts for the team to look after.
For Venezuela: After being overlooked as the favourites, Venezuela have defied all the odds to finish the group stage as winners. Fernando Batista’s side completely dominated the group and looked like a team that could go far in the competition. Their strength have been the defensive solidarity they have shown in the opening stages. There is a good mixture of experience with youth that have benefited them in the early stages of the tournament.
Conclusion
Venezuela advances to the quarter-finals after an impressive group stage. They showed their quality against Jamaica with three goals in the second half to seal the victory. Competing in a group with Mexico and Ecuador, they exceeded everyone’s expectations with their impressive performance. With a strong defence and impressive attack, keep an eye on this team. Meanwhile, Jamaica’s poor run ended after being eliminated. They finished without a point and will have learned a lesson from here.
