Ecuador 3-1 Jamaica

In the day's early kickoff, Matchday 2 in Group B saw Jamaica take on Ecuador at Allegiant Stadium in Nevada. The Reggae Boyz were coming off a hard-fought, narrow 1-0 loss to Mexico in their opener, and led by Clermont Foot 63 forward Shamar Nicholson, they were eager to put themselves back in the mix. Ecuador were also coming off a loss in the first round, having been beaten by Venzuela in a match that saw key striker Enner Valencia sent off. Anything other than a win for either side would likely see their tournament come to a premature end, as only two teams advance from each group.

Despite the absence of Valencia, Ecuador, who left former ESTAC Troyes defender Jackson Porozo on the bench, were eager to get stuck in from the off, and immediately put the Jamaicans' goal under threat before breaking the deadlock in the 13th minute, with Piero Hincapié's deflected cross flying into the net. There was little letup from the Ecuadorians, and they would double their lead on the stroke of halftime with Kendry Páez netting from the penalty spot after a handball. Jamaica pulled one back early in the second half through Michail Antonio, but Ecuador would seal the result in second-half stoppage time thanks to Alan Minda. The result now leaves Ecuador with a winner-take all match against Mexico on Sunday, while Jamaica are eliminated.

Tenemos un nuevo clasificado 🤩 pic.twitter.com/AULriZU8q2

— CONMEBOL Copa América™️ (@CopaAmerica) June 27, 2024

Venezuela 1-0 Mexico

Those two teams will be scrapping for second place at best, though, as Toulouse FC midfielder Cristian Cásseres and the Vinotinto made it two wins from two against Mexico. Cásseres played the entire second half, replacing Jefferson Savarino at the break, and allowed his side to retain control of the match following Salomon Rondón's penalty just before the hour mark. The match would ultimately turn on Venezuela goalkeeper Rafael Romo saving a penalty deep in the second half to preserve his side's slender advantage, a result that guarantees Venezuela will top the group, as they now hold the tiebreaker against both El Tri and Ecuador. Former Dijon FCO striker Jhonder Cadiz also featured, coming on for Rondón in the match's last eight minutes.

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