Venezuela scores on a 57th-minute penalty kick and holds on for a win in front of 72,773 at SoFi Stadium. Mexico must beat Ecuador on Sunday to advance.
The Copa America tournament offered the Mexican national team a unique set of challenges ahead of the upcoming push toward the 2026 World Cup.
Coach Jaime Lozano chose to select an inexperienced roster, looking to start a youth movement in the program.
After Wednesday night, there is a strong possibility that Mexico’s tournament could end this weekend, which would leave a lot of questions to be answered regarding the future.
Salomón Rondón converted a penalty shot in the 57th minute, and Venezuela survived some harrowing moments for a 1-0 win in front of 72,773 at SoFi Stadium.
“We are very happy to bring joy to Venezuelan people,” Venezuela coach Fernando Batista said. “It’s always nice to win. We were organized, never giving up attitude, making sacrifices … sometimes we didn’t have possession, but we never gave up.
“I always tell them that they have to believe in themselves and as a group and they did that.”
The win moves Venezuela into sole possession of first place in Group B on six points (2-0) and clinches a berth in the upcoming quarterfinals. Mexico (1-1) is on three points, tied with Ecuador.
Venezuela’s lead didn’t look as if it would hold up as Mexico’s Orbelín Pineda stepped up to take a penalty after a handball was called and confirmed via video review.
