SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles fell silent on Wednesday night as Venezuela pulled off a historic 1-0 upset victory over regional giants Mexico in the 2024 Copa América. Salomón Rondón’s penalty in the second half proved to be the difference, sending shockwaves through the tournament and leaving Mexico’s qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
Mexico, traditionally the dominant force in the CONCACAF region, entered the match as heavy favorites. However,Venezuela displayed a resolute defensive performance and a tactical awareness that frustrated El Tri’s usually potent attack. Manager Rafael Dudamel instilled a sense of discipline in La Vinotinto, who were determined to prove their doubters wrong.
The first half was a cagey affair, with both teams cancelling each other out. Mexico controlled possession but struggled to penetrate the Venezuelan backline. Hirving Lozano, usually a thorn in defenders’ sides, was closely marshalled by Alexander González, while Raúl Jiménez found space limited by a well-organized Venezuelan defense. Venezuela, on the other hand, looked dangerous on the counter-attack, with Josef Martínez posing a constant threat with his pace and movement.
The turning point arrived in the 57th minute. Julián Quiñones, attempting to contain a Venezuelan counter, clumsily brought down Jon Aramburu inside the box. The referee, after a brief consultation with VAR, pointed to the spot. The ever-reliable Rondón stepped up and coolly slotted the penalty past Guillermo Ochoa, sending the Venezuelan contingent in the stands into raptures.
Mexico responded with urgency, throwing bodies forward in search of an equalizer. Tata Martino brought on fresh legs in Alexis Vega and Uriel Antuna, adding more attacking impetus. They nearly snatched a point in dramatic fashion in the dying moments when Orbelin Pineda’s shot deflected off a Venezuelan hand inside the area. A penalty was awarded, but Ochoa’s blushes were spared as Rafael Romo, the Venezuelan goalkeeper, produced a sensational diving save to deny Mexico the equalizer.
The final whistle blew, sending Venezuelan players and fans into a frenzy. This victory was not just about three points; it was a statement of intent from a young and hungry Venezuelan team. Rondón, the experienced campaigner, spoke about the significance of the win: “This is a night we will never forget. We believed in ourselves, worked hard as a unit, and pulled off a historic victory. This is a new dawn for Venezuelan football.”
For Mexico, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. El Tri’s usually dominant performance in the group stage was a distant memory as they struggled to break down a resolute Venezuelan defense. Questions will be asked of manager Martino,whose tactics seemed to backfire against a well-drilled Venezuelan side. Mexico now face a must-win encounter against Ecuador in their final group game to secure a place in the knockout stages.
The Copa América continues to surprise, with Venezuela’s win adding to the growing list of upsets in the tournament. La Vinotinto have shown they are a force to be reckoned with, and their impressive display against Mexico will serve as a warning to future opponents. The battle for supremacy in CONCACAF is far from over, and Venezuela have emphatically announced their arrival on the big stage.
