LOS ANGELES — Mexico fell 1-nil to Venezuela in Group B of the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America on Wednesday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Mexico created chances early, with Santiago Gimenez coming close to scoring in the 1’ but couldn’t connect on a service from Uriel Antuna.
Gimenez did connect with a chance in the box in the 19’ but was blocked by goalkeeper Rafael Romo.
Reigning Concacaf Champions Cup Golden Ball winner and top scorer Salomon Rondon was denied by the right post in the 34’ on a strike from long distance.
Mexican goalkeeper Julio Gonzalez delivered a timely save in the 50’ on to deny Yeferson Soteldo.
The game took a decisive turn in the 57’ when Rondon successfully converted a penalty to put Venezuela in the lead with the eventual match-winner.
Julian Quiñones whipped in a dangerous cross in the 68’, but no one in the Mexican offense could connect.
Orbelin Pineda missed from the penalty spot in the 87’ as Romo came up with the save to preserve the clean sheet.
Mexico will face Ecuador on Sunday, with a spot in the knockout stage up for grabs. A victory would place the Concacaf nation in the next round as one of the top two teams in the group.
FACTS:
- This was Venezuela's first win against Mexico in any competition in 14 matches, of which Mexico had won 10 and tied 3.
- In the CONMEBOL Copa América, it is the first time that Venezuela has defeated Mexico. The three previous times they had faced each other, Mexico won two games and tied one.