Mexico and Venezuela are both through to the Copa America Centenario quarterfinals. El Tri have been one of the more impressive teams of the tournament thus far, while the Vinotinto have been one of the biggest surprises. However, both teams still can’t afford to let up. They need to go all out in their final group game in order to win Group C – and avoid Lionel Messi and Argentina in the last eight.
Get a complete breakdown of this crucial Group C decider. And for more of Monday’s Copa America action, check out our preview of Uruguay vs. Jamaica.
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Mexico has looked very impressive in its first two tournament games. After sinking Uruguay 3-1, El Tri took care of Jamaica 2-0 despite a less-than-stellar performance to secure passage to the quarterfinals. Mexico has now won nine-straight games under new manager Juan Carlos Osorio.
Mexico just needs to avoid defeat in order to top Group C – and more importantly, to avoid Argentina in the round of 16. However, don’t expect El Tri to play a conservative game and target the draw. They will look to remain as sharp as possible for their next opponents.
Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez got his first goal of the tournament against Jamaica, putting him just one goal away from tying Jared Borghetti’s record 46 goals. Meanwhile Jesus Corona, who assisted on that goal, has been a livewire on the wings.
Mexico’s attack will have its full complement of weapons back against Venezuela with the return of Andres Guardado. The instrumental midfielder missed out on the Jamaica game after serving a one-match ban for his red card against Uruguay.
And even more good news for El Tri: They’ll be playing in Texas, where they should enjoy some raucous support from their countrymen, who are either based in state or will make the short trip across the border.
Mexico has an excellent record against Venezuela, going 13-3-2 all-time, including 11-straight games without defeat.
For the first time in the nation’s history, Venezuela has recorded back-to-back wins at the Copa America. After edging past minnows Jamaica 1-0, the Vinotinto scored a much more significant 1-0 win over Uruguay to book just their fourth ever trip to the Copa America quarterfinals.
Star striker Salomon Rondon came through for Venezuela in that historic win over Uruguay, as he scored his 17th career international goal. Don’t discount his ability to add to his tally against Mexico, either. The Mexican defense hasn’t been entirely assured in this tournament. Their entire back three had subpar performances against Jamaica, and an in-form Rondon can make them pay for any mistakes.
More importantly, though, their defense must continue its impressive form. Venezuela is the lone country yet to concede a goal in the Copa America Centenario after back-to-back clean sheets, although Jamaica doesn’t exactly have a competent offense, and Uruguay was without Luis Suarez.
There won’t be any pressure for the Vinotinto, who have already booked their place in the last eight. But there’s also the danger that that might have taken away a bit of the team’s edge, which could see them struggle against the much more talented Mexico team armed with a lot of attacking weapons.
Writer’s Prediction
Mexico (-197) tops the group with a 2-0 win over Venezuela.
