At 8 a.m. Beijing time on July 1, 2024, the two matches of Group B of the third round of the Copa America group stage will start at the same time. Mexico vs. Ecuador, Jamaica vs. Venezuela. Ahead of the game, the points situation in Group B made these two games particularly crucial.
Mexico and Ecuador both have three points, but Ecuador leads on goal difference. It was a must-win game for Mexico, who would have to take all three points to secure qualification. In contrast, Ecuador only needed a draw. Mexico lined up 433 formations, with starters worth 100 million euros, while Ecuador opted for 4222 formations, with Caicedo, veteran Valencia and 17-year-old Pais starting the game.
The match attracted a lot of fan attention, and everyone was predicting the outcome. One netizen commented: "Mexico have a lot of pressure in this game, they have to win to qualify, and it feels like their attack will be fierce." Another netizen responded: "Ecuador only need a draw, they may focus more on defense, but they can't be taken lightly." ”
In the first half, both teams were goalless. Ecuador were more aggressive, with Caicedo's free-kick blocked in the seventh minute and Pais's set-piece saved in the 19th minute. Mexico had a chance in the 45+1 minute when Santiago Simenez's header went over the crossbar. The two sides exchanged a blank and entered the second half.
After the end of the first half, netizens expressed their opinions. One fan commented: "Ecuador played really well today, the defense was very solid. Another said: "It's a shame for Mexico, the last header almost went in." ”
In the second half, the pace of the game was still tense. In the 58th minute, Ateaga fell to the ground in the penalty area, and the referee confirmed that no penalty was awarded after VR. This penalty caused a lot of controversy, and the Internet immediately exploded. A Mexican fan said indignantly: "This goal is obviously a penalty, how can the referee not award it!" Another netizen calmly analyzed: "In fact, VR can see it very clearly, Ateaga is indeed suspected of falling, but it is not obvious." ”
In the 66th minute, Mexico's Quiñones shot from distance was saved, and Simenez missed a great chance to score with a follow-up shot that hit the woodwork. The discussion among netizens became even more enthusiastic: "Oh my God, why is it so close!" "The jamb is really Mexico's enemy!"
With time running out, Ecuador continued to hold on and Mexico were unable to find the back of the net. In the 80th minute, Ecuador's Valencia shot wide from distance, and in the 83rd minute, his free-kick was blocked by the wall. The match ended 0-0 with Mexico failing to qualify, while Ecuador qualified on goal difference and will face Argentina in the quarter-finals.
Jamaica fielded a 3,421 formation with a starting lineup worth 32.12 million euros, while Venezuela used a 4,231 formation with a starting lineup worth 38.1 million euros. In the first half, both sides went on the offensive but did not score. In the 41st minute, Venezuela's Davenmacis was lifted by Jamaican goalkeeper Waite on the right side.
In the second half, the situation changed on the field. In the 49th minute, Venezuela's Aramburu crossed, and Belho scored with a header to take a 1-0 lead. In the 56th minute, Venezuela's Rondon stabbed the ball in the penalty area and scored, and the score expanded to 2-0. Rondon's goal brought his tally to six goals in the Copa America, tying the club's all-time record. In the 85th minute, Venezuela's substitute Eri Cramírez scored another goal to seal the victory 3-0.
During the competition, netizens were also hotly discussed. A Venezuelan fan left a message: "Longdong is amazing, this goal is so beautiful!" Another said: "Jamaica is clearly lacking in motivation for this game, they have already gone out early, and they are not playing aggressively enough. ”
In another comment, it was mentioned that "the level of football in South America is generally very high, and even teams that were not very strong before have improved a lot. A team like Venezuela also has a lot of fighting spirit, and their performance this time is really commendable. A Venezuelan fan replied excitedly: "Yes, we have been working hard and are no longer the team that is bullied casually!" ”
The match between Mexico and Ecuador has also attracted a lot of attention and discussion. The Mexican fans were deplorable by the result, after all, the team tried their best but failed to secure the crucial three points. Some netizens vented their dissatisfaction on the Internet: "This game is too aggrieved, there are so many opportunities, and the luck is too bad!" Another fan reassured: "No way, football is like that, sometimes it's just a little bit less. We will continue to support them. ”
The Ecuadorian fans were very happy: "Great, we qualified!" Next against Argentina, hopefully a good performance. Someone replied: "It's really hard against Argentina, but as long as you play at a good level, anything is possible." ”
After the match between Jamaica and Venezuela, the discussion among netizens was even more lively. Someone mentioned: "Jamaica was clearly out of form in this game, went out early and played a little loosely. Another netizen commented: "Indeed, they look like they are going through the motions." Venezuela's performance has been outstanding, with three wins in a row that I really didn't expect. ”
Venezuelan fans excitedly shared the joy of victory online: "We won the group, it's fantastic! Next up against Canada is to hope for a continuation of the win. Some netizens agreed: "Venezuela is very energetic now, and I really hope they can go further." ”
Comparing the performances of Mexico and Venezuela, many fans lamented how quickly the world of football is changing. Someone said, "Who would have thought a few years ago that Venezuela would be so strong? Mexico was eliminated, and football is really changing. Another fan replied: "yes, that's the beauty of football, you never know what's going to happen next." ”
Through these matches, many fans have begun to re-examine the strength of South American teams. Someone commented: "The overall level of South American football is improving, and it is no longer just a few strong teams that dominate the game." A team like Venezuela can play at a very high level right now. Another netizen added: "This is a good thing for the development of South American football, the more fierce the competition, the higher the overall level." ”
The match between Jamaica and Venezuela kicked off in a sweltering heat. Jamaica opted for the 3421 formation, which allows them to play more up front when attacking, but face more challenges when defending. The total value of the starters is 32.12 million euros, which is not high, but they are confident that they can cause problems for their opponents with their team's tacit understanding and speed. Venezuela, on the other hand, chose a more stable 4231 formation, with a starting lineup worth a total of 38.1 million euros, showing the team's advantage in strength.
At the final whistle, Venezuela won three consecutive games to accumulate nine points, firmly top the group, and successfully advanced to the quarterfinals. The Jamaican players left the pitch with regret, knowing they had done their best, but they couldn't change the result. The Venezuelan players celebrated on the pitch and their performance was met with applause from the fans.
After the competition, the online discussion was hot. Someone commented: "Jamaica played well, just unluckily and was taken a couple of chances by Venezuela." Another netizen replied: "Venezuela is really strong this time, their offense is very threatening, and their defense is solid." Another person joked: "It seems that only Guyana and Suriname are still weak teams in South America, and other teams are improving." ”
For Venezuela, the victory meant not only qualifying for the quarter-finals, but also a reward for their long-term efforts. Next, they will face Canada, who are second in Group A, in the quarter-finals. It will be a new challenge, but the Venezuelan players are ready and they want to continue to make history and go further.
In this tense matchup, Mexico tried their best, but they were unable to break through the Ecuadorian defense. Venezuela, on the other hand, showed its strength and declared its rise with a clean victory. The Copa America is changing, and there will be more exciting matchups waiting for fans in the next knockout stage.
Welcome to leave your valuable comments and opinions in the comment area, and look forward to discussing with you.
Note: It is not easy to be original, plagiarism and manuscript washing, and it will be studied deeply. The picture comes from the Internet, if there is any infringement, please contact to delete