Venezuela secured their spot in the Copa America quarterfinals on Wednesday with a determined 1-0 victory over Mexico, a result that also led to Jamaica’s elimination from the tournament.
Veteran striker Salomon Rondon, who plays in Mexico, scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot, ensuring Venezuela’s place at the top of Group B with six points from two matches.
Despite the loss, Mexico still has a chance to qualify for the knockout stages if they win their final group match against Ecuador on Sunday.
However, the team will rue their missed opportunities, particularly Orbelin Pineda’s missed penalty in the 87th minute, which was saved by Venezuela’s goalkeeper Rafael Romo.
The game’s only goal came in the 57th minute when Rondon converted a penalty after Mexico’s Julian Quinones fouled Jon Aramburu in the box.
Earlier in the day, Jamaica was knocked out of the tournament following their 3-1 defeat to Ecuador in Las Vegas.
Ecuador, who had lost to Venezuela in their first match, held off a strong second-half effort from the Reggae Boyz to secure a crucial victory at Allegiant Stadium.
