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Solomon Rondon’s penalty in the second half was enough for Venezuela to grab all three points in their second game of Copa America 2024. Salomón Rondón, a former striker for Everton, currently plays professional football for Pachuca. He helped them win the Concacaf Champions Cup earlier this month by scoring twice. He already has a goal during the Copa América versus Mexico.
Mexico were looking to attack but their midfield creativity lacked to some extent in the absence of captain Edson Alvarez. They received a penalty late in the second half and had the chance to equalise as well. Miguel Navarro was caught for handball and after a lengthy VAR check, the referee pointed to the spot. However, the Mexicans were not able to claim this opportunity since the penalty was saved by Rafael Romo.
Ecuador earn massive victory to keep qualification hopes alive
Wednesday's 3-1 victory against Jamaica in Las Vegas kept Ecuador's hopes of making it to the Copa America quarters intact and put the "Reggae Boyz" in danger of losing. Ecuador took the lead in the thirteenth minute thanks to a Jamaican own goal. Piero Hincapie's left-wing cross found its way into the goal after deflecting off Kasey Palmer's shin.
After Gregory Leigh's handball, the South Americans increased their lead through a penalty kick from Kendry Paez shortly before halftime. Alan Minda then put the game out of the game during the 91st minute following a goal from a traditional counterattack.
Shortly after the break, Jamaica scored its inaugural Copa America goal off a corner to cut the lead in half. The Ecuadorian defense stopped Ethan Pinnock's shot, but Michail Antonio grabbed the rebound and blasted the ball towards the goal.
After referee Cristian Garay went to the monitor during the 73rd minute to look for a potential handball from Alan Franco, they believed they had earned a penalty. However, the referee chose not to give it. With the win, Ecuador tied Mexico on three points apiece, earning their initial points in the competition.