Group C concluded on Monday night with one really important match and one consolation match.
Mexico and Venezuela had already clinched their spots in the Copa America Centenario Quarterfinals with two wins in their opening two matches. All that was left to be decided was who would win the group and who would finish runner-up and likely have to play Argentina in the next round.
No one expected Venezuela to have a chance in this group but here they were and their Cinderella run appeared to be continuing as they took a first half lead over the favored Mexicans. A fantastic leaping side-footed scissor kick goal by Jose Manuel Velazquez got them off to a wonderful start in the 10th minute.
El Tri’s looked to be on their way to face Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the quarterfinals, but late in the match, second half substitute Jesus “Tecatito” Corona scored a brilliant individual goal after beating several defenders and slamming a finish past the Venezuelan goalkeeper.
Mexico would hold on to the draw and win the group thanks to a superior goal differential. They avoid Argentina and will play either Chile or Panama in the quarterfinals. The plucky Venezuelans have had a great tournament and will be a tough test for the No. 1 team in the world.
Uruguay and Jamaica finished off the night and their tournaments with a lopsided 3-0 win by the South Americans. Abel Hernandez scored in the first half and the Reggae Boyz couldn’t recover.
Jamaica finish the Copa America with zero points and only an own goal to their credit in three matches. While Uruguay were extremely disappointing as a side who some thought could compete to win the whole thing.
Tuesday
Chile vs. Panama, 8:00 p.m. ET – Fox Sports 1 and UniMas
Argentina vs. Bolivia, 10:00 p.m. ET – Fox Sports 1 and UniMas
Thursday
United States vs. Ecuador, 9:30 p.m. ET – Fox Sports 1 and UniMas (Quarterfinals)
Friday
Peru vs. Colombia, 8:00 p.m. ET – Fox Sports 1 and UniMas (Quarterfinals)
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