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Venezuelan goalkeeper Rafael Romo clears the ball in the first half against Mexico. Photo by Nicholai Roska @ Tangent Zine
The last time Venezuela won against Mexico on international level was in the year 1982. But in front of a pro Mexican crowd of 72,773, goalkeeper Rafael Romo's penalty save in the 87' ended the curse for the La Vinotinto, sealing Venezuela's win against the number 15th ranked team by FIFA.
Venezuela's Yeferson Soteldo shields the ball from Mexico's Jorge Sanchez (2). Photo by Nicholai Roska @ Tangent Zine
Mexico's Julian Quiñones shifts direction as Venezuela's Jon Aramburu defends. Photo by Nicholai Roska @ Tangent Zine
On paper, the Mexicans dominated the stats, controlling ball possession and firing 18 attempts with five shots on goal. Salomón Rondón's penalty kick conversion in the 57' punched the Venezuelans' ticket to the quarterfinals to this year's Copa America. Now with 41 goals under his belt, Rondon is the all-time leading goal scorer for his national team.
Salomon Rondon sends Mexican goalkeeper Julio Gonzalez Vela and converts the penalty. Photo by Nicholai Roska @ Tangent Zine
With captain Edson Álvarez still out on injury, the Mexicans played well and had a flurry of chances, but goalkeeper Rafael Romo maintained a clean sheet making six saves including the hastily taken penalty by Mexico's Oberlin Pineda.
Julian Quiñones (9) probes the Venezuelan defense. Photo by Nicholai Roska @ Tangent Zine
Venezuela's Jose Andres Martinez being attended by the medics. Photo by Nicholai Roska @ Tangent Zine
Venezuela leads group B with six points and will play Jamaica on Sunday.
The Mexicans on the other hand will have to face Ecuador in a must win game on Sunday to advance to the quarterfinals.
Game Highlights from Fox Soccer's YT channel
