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Enner Valencia (Source: X)
The match between Ecuador and Venezuela has started at Levi's Stadium in California, USA, and will serve as the opening Group B match of the Copa America 2024. As they square off in the competition on Saturday, Ecuador and Venezuela will be vying to start their respective 2024 Copa America campaigns strong.
Ecuador has never won the Copa America, but it has placed fourth twice in the competition's history (1959 and 1993). The national team has advanced to the quarterfinals in two of the last three competitions. Venezuela is pursuing its first World Cup berth, sitting fourth in the CONMEBOL qualifiers, ahead of Brazil in sixth and Ecuador in fifth, but below leaders Argentina, Uruguay, and Colombia.
Ecuador's Enner Valencia was sent off in the 22nd minute of their Copa América opener against Venezuela on Saturday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The referee sent off Ecuador attacker Enner Valencia for his late and reckless tackle on Venezuela defender Jose Martinez. It was an opportunity for La Tri to take the lead; John Yeboah's effort from within the area was saved by Romo, and Valencia sought to get to the ball. However, his challenge to Martinez was delayed.
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🛑⚽ ¡Expulsan a #EnerValencia capitán de Ecuador 🇪🇨 en el #VenezuelaVsEcuador #Fútbol #Deportes #CopaAmérica #CopaAmérica2024 pic.twitter.com/Q2eVKmgQqK
— Max Portia Johansen (@max_portia) June 22, 2024
Ecuador takes lead in the match
The referee first handed the striker a yellow card, but following a VAR check, he changed his judgment and showed him a straight red. Valencia was late, and his challenge was high. His studs were clearly visible. It was an obvious red card offence.
Valencia, who formerly played for West Ham United and Everton in the Premier League, competed with a Venezuelan player for the loose ball. However, the veteran forward did not make any contact off the ball; instead, his cleat kicked the opponent in the chest area.
Ten-man La Tri takes the lead thanks to Jeremy Sarmiento's outside-the-box goal in the 40th minute. It was a superb counterattack that the Venezuelan defenders held off. Ecuador has a unique chance to create a set piece situation thanks to a foul by Yordan Osorio of Venezuela. Sarmiento gives his team the lead after the free kick with a right-footed strike that lands in the bottom right corner of the box.