Venezuela’s national football team secured a stunning 1-0 victory over Mexico’s national football team in a Copa América group stage match at SoFi Stadium. Salomón Rondón’s penalty goal and Rafael Romo’s crucial penalty save propelled Venezuela to the quarterfinals while leaving Mexico’s hopes hanging by a thread.
Venezuela took the lead in the 57th minute when Rondón confidently converted a penalty kick, sending the Mexican goalkeeper Julio González diving in the wrong direction. The penalty was awarded after a foul on Jon Aramburu inside the box, following a clever give-and-go play with Cristian Cásseres. Rondón’s goal, his 42nd for the national team, proved to be the decisive moment in the match.
Mexico, despite dominating possession and outshooting Venezuela 18-10, struggled to find the back of the net. Their best chance came late in the game when Miguel Navarro was called for a handball in the penalty area. Orbelín Pineda stepped up to take the spot-kick, but his effort was thwarted by a brilliant diving save from Venezuelan goalkeeper Rafael Romo. Romo’s heroics ensured Venezuela held on for a memorable victory in front of a capacity crowd of 72,000.
The win guarantees Venezuela a place in the Copa América quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Mexico, who have now lost four of their last six matches, face a must-win situation against Ecuador in their final group game to avoid an early exit from the tournament. This unexpected defeat adds pressure on the Mexican team, who were considered one of the tournament favorites.
Mexico’s struggles were compounded by the absence of key players due to injury, including goalkeepers Guillermo Ochoa and Luis Malagón, captain Edson Álvarez, and forwards Raúl Jiménez and Hirving Lozano. Despite missing these crucial figures, Mexico created numerous chances but lacked the clinical finishing touch to overcome a resilient Venezuelan defense and Romo’s outstanding performance in goal.
This victory for Venezuela marks a significant upset in the Copa América and highlights the team’s growing strength and potential. The match showcased a determined Venezuelan side that capitalized on their opportunities and defended resolutely to secure a historic win against their more fancied opponents. The Venezuela national football team’s victory over the Mexico national football team will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.
