Jamaica vs Venezuela | Copa America 2024 | Post Match

On the surface, neither team had a lot to play for coming into the last round of group games, as Venezuela had already secured a Round of 16 berth and Jamaica  were already eliminated. However, La Vinotinto looked eager to finish the group stage on top, as they knew a draw would’ve been enough to secure first place in Group B and a matchup against Canada in the quarterfinals.

Fernando Batista’s men looked more threatening and dominated possession, though they lacked scoring opportunities to inflict damage to the Reggae Boyz’s.

Salomon Rondon and Eduard Bello were Venezuela’s most dangerous players, but the Vinotinto side didn’t have a clear chance throughout the opening 45 minutes outside of an attempt from Rondon in the 38th minute, but his effort went sailing over the crossbar, and a cross from Darwin Machis that was tipped over the bar by Jahmali White. 

The same thing happened with Jamaica, though, and outside of a few attempts from Michail Antonio, the CONCACAF side also lacked creativity in the final third. Under those circumstances, it wasn’t surprising to see the first half end in a dull stalemate, as both teams combined for just one total shot on target before half time.

Venezuela’s slight supremacy during the first half continued into the after the interval and soon that control resulted in a goal when Bello appeared out of nowhere on the back post to nod a Jon Aramburu cross home from very close range just four minutes into the second half.

Rondon would double the team’s lead after a one-on-one finish past White following a clever assist from Yangel Herrera in the 55th minute, erasing any chance of a potential Jamaica comeback.