Ecuadorian Valencia is criticized for delivering a karate-style kick.
COPA America adventure begins fiercely for Favorit Mexico. A nail-biting win against Jamaica kicks off their South America Championship journey. Simultaneously, Ecuador, short-handed due to a red card, showcased tremendous resilience for 70 minutes, but ultimately fell short against Venezuela.
With defenders from German Bundesliga powerhouses, Ecuador kept up with a first-round defeat in the Copa America - and ultimately surrendered: They lost 1:2 (1:0) to Venezuela. Piero Hincapie from reigning double champion Bayer Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt's veteran Willian Pacho couldn't prevent the heartbreaking loss, as Ecuador played with one less player for 70 minutes due to a red card. Mexico, on the other hand, held their ground as favorites, securing a laborious 1:0 (0:0) victory against Jamaica.
In front of a mere crowd in the Californian Santa Clara, Ecuador scored first through Jeremy Sarmiento (40.). However, this came under challenging circumstances: Striker Enner Valencia (22.), who had scored two goals in the opening match of the World Cup 2022, was sent off for a karate kick on an opposing player. With the entry of Jhonder Cadiz (64) and Eduard Bello (74), Venezuela managed to overturn a half-time deficit in Copa America history for the first time and secure a win.
Mexico and Jamaica, two invited CONCACAF teams at the South America Championship, engaged in a toe-to-toe brawl, with Gerardo Arteaga's thrilling shot from the penalty area (69) sending La Tri fans in the overjoyed full NRG Stadium in Houston into raptures. The Reggae Boyz, who have previously appeared twice as guests at the Copa America, remain winless and scoreless in their seventh match.
Title defenders Argentina garnered a first-round win on Thursday. On Sunday, the USA (against Bolivia) and Uruguay (against Panama) join the favorites in action, while Brazil caps off the first round of group matches against Costa Rica on Monday.
