On July 1, 2024, Group B of the Copa America began its third round of competition. The two matches were Mexico vs. Ecuador and Jamaica vs. Venezuela. The results of these two matches have a key impact on the standings of Group B.
The match between Mexico and Ecuador is in the spotlight as both teams have three points and Ecuador has the upper hand on goal difference. Mexico must win to advance, while Ecuador only needs a draw. Mexico has a 433 formation, with players worth a total of 100 million euros; Ecuador are in a 4,222 formation with Caicedo, Valencia and 17-year-old Pais.
Caicedo is a midfielder known for his ability to fight and his wide defensive coverage. His pace on the pitch and his ability to intercept make him a formidable barrier to the team's defence. In particular, Caicedo has shown great ability to tackle and often interrupt the opponent's attacking rhythm with precise tackles.
"Caicedo's tackle today was fantastic! He's literally a steel wall in our midfield! One fan wrote on social media that he expressed his appreciation and affirmation for Caicedo's performance in the game.
The comparison with Christian Kante inevitably became the focus of discussion. While Caicedo's ability is not as good as N'Golo Kante in some ways, his attendance and consistency in the game has given him an important place in the team. 'I don't think Caicedo is as well-known as N'Golo Kante, but he's been really consistent. His influence on the pitch should not be underestimated. Another fan commented on the team's forum.
In addition to Caicedo's outstanding performance in the defensive end, his playmaking and tandem role in midfield were also key to the team's attack. He was able to quickly switch from defense to offense and played well on the offensive end. 'Caicedo is not just a purely defensive player, he is also very good at passing and organising. He is a consistent midfield engine in the team. A columnist noted in the analysis.
Within the team, Caicedo's role is seen as the heart of the midfield. He's not just a player, he's a symbol of the team's spirit. "Caicedo is the soul of our team. His leadership and fighting spirit are unmatched. The team's coach commented in an interview.
Despite Caicedo's excellent performances on the pitch, he also often faced intense challenges from his opponents and the pressure of the game. 'Caicedo's physicality and consistency in the game is his strength, but it's also a source of pressure for him. Every game is a new test. A sports commentator mentioned in the discussion.
In the first half, both teams were goalless, but Ecuador attacked more aggressively. Caicedo's free-kick and Pais' set-piece were both cleared away by the Mexican goalkeeper. Valencia's cross was also cleared by a Mexican defender. At the end of the first half, the two sides drew 0-0.
At the start of the second half, Mexico looked for a breakthrough, but Ecuador's defense remained solid. In the 58th minute, Ateaga was pulled down by an opposing player in the penalty area, but the referee did not blow a penalty, which caused a controversy among fans and netizens at the scene. Many netizens thought that the referee was too conservative in this decision, and thought that Mexico should get a good chance.
"It's definitely a penalty!" Netizen "Football Fanatics" commented on social media, "Ateaga is obviously pulled down, the referee is too soft!" ”
However, despite this controversy, Mexico did not give up. In the 66th minute, Quiñones had a chance when his long-range shot was brilliantly saved by the Ecuadorian goalkeeper, but Miyanez's follow-up shot hit the crossbar and missed a good chance to equalise. The scene was deplorable to Mexican supporters, while Ecuadorian fans were encouraged by their goalkeeper's performance.
"Quignones was so close to scoring this time!" Netizen "football fan" said on social media, "If it wasn't for the excellent performance of the goalkeeper, we would have been ahead long ago!" ”
Mexico tried to create more chances as the game progressed, but Ecuador's solid defensive line made it difficult for them to find space to attack. The final result of the match was a 0-0 draw. The result meant Mexico did not qualify from the group, while Ecuador finished second on goal difference.
"Our performance is still not consistent enough." Mexican fan "Football Lovers" said, "It's a shame to have a draw, hopefully we can play better in the next game." ”
Ecuadorian fans were pleased with the team's performance. 'It was a draw, but we qualified on goal difference. "Against Argentina, we have to work harder to reach the semi-finals!" ”
Jamaica and Venezuela played a relatively easy game. Jamaica are out of the tournament early, while Venezuela are aiming to top the group. Jamaica adopts a 3421 formation, with a total value of 32.12 million euros; Venezuela is in a 4,231 formation, with a total player value of 38.1 million euros.
In the first half, both teams attacked and defended each other, but neither team scored. In the 41st minute, Davenmathis' lob on the right was tipped over the crossbar by Jamaican goalkeeper Waite.
After the start of the second half, Venezuela showed a more aggressive attacking posture. They quickly took the initiative of the game and looked to extend their lead with attack. In the 49th minute, Aramburu crossed the ball from the right, and Bello jumped up to head the ball into the opponent's goal, giving Venezuela a 1-0 lead. The goal not only boosted the team's morale, but also made the pace of the game more tense on the pitch.
"Belho's header was brilliant! We're ahead now! The Venezuelan fans cheered excitedly on the sidelines, proud and satisfied with the team's performance.
In the ensuing game, Venezuela continued to let up, and they quickly launched a counter-attack in the 56th minute. Long Dong received a precise through ball at the top of the arc and burst into the opponent's penalty area. Although he stumbled a little during the goal, he managed to poke the ball into the back of the net to extend the score to 2-0.
"Longdong is amazing! He has scored his sixth goal and is one of the leading goalscorers in the history of our Venezuelan team! The cheers of the fans echoed around the stadium, and they were amazed and admired by Rondon's goalscoring ability.
As the game entered the 85th minute, Venezuela's substitute Eri Kramirez quickly showed his power after coming on. He seized a chance in the box and calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net to seal the 3-0 win for Venezuela.
"Eric Cramires scored as soon as he came on the pitch! This game was just perfect! "The Venezuelan fans are celebrating their team's victory and are full of confidence and anticipation for what the team will do next.
With nine points from three straight wins, Venezuela topped their group and advanced to the quarter-finals, where they will face Group A runners-up Canada in the quarter-finals.
These two matches not only decided the teams that qualified from Group B, but also laid the foundation for the next knockout rounds. Look forward to Ecuador vs. Argentina and Venezuela vs. Canada to see if these two teams can continue their Copa America journey.
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