Mexico will seek to cement their spot in the knockouts when they take on Venezuela on Wednesday night.
Following their historic opening match victory at the Copa America, Venezuela will face Mexico on Wednesday at SoFi Stadium as Matchday 2 action continues. Both teams emerged victorious from their first Group B fixture, with La Vinotinto coming back to defeat Ecuador 2-1, while El Tri claimed a narrow 1-0 triumph over Jamaica.
A gritty Venezuelan side did not let an early goal deter them on Matchday 1, scoring two second-half strikes in 10 minutes to claim their first-ever come-from-behind victory at the Copa America. This win ended a five-match winless run for Fernando Batista’s men across all competitions, marking their first opening match victory at this tournament since 2016 when they defeated Jamaica 1-0.
A victory on Wednesday would signify the first time Venezuela has won consecutive matches at the Copa America since 2016. Additionally, it has been over a year since they last won back-to-back international fixtures in June 2023. Their recent form shows resilience, as Venezuela have come back to earn a positive result in two of their previous five encounters this year when conceding the opening goal.
Moreover, they have won four successive matches when scoring first, without conceding in those contests. Venezuela’s defence has been solid against CONCACAF sides, remaining unbeaten in six consecutive meetings and conceding in only one of those encounters, a 2-2 draw with Panama in November 2022.
El Tri survived some nervy moments in their opener but ultimately came away as deserved winners, boasting 62% possession and nine efforts on target. Jaime Lozano’s men ended a two-match losing run with their triumph over Jamaica. Had a Michail Antonio strike not been ruled out for offside, the outcome could have been different for Mexico.
This victory extended their unbeaten run in the group stage of the Copa America to four matches, and they have not lost any of their previous three opening fixtures in this tournament. In their last 13 matches in which they scored first, Mexico emerged victorious on 12 occasions, with their only defeat being against Colombia (3-2) in Los Angeles last December. The Hard Tackle delves into the potential elevens and tactics for this clash.
Team News & Tactics
Venezuela
Salomon Rondon made his 18th appearance for Venezuela at this tournament over the weekend, equalling Jose Manuel Rey for second all-time. Goals from Jhonder Cadiz of Famalicao and Mazatlan midfielder Eduard Bello helped them erase a 1-0 deficit on Matchday 1, with both players becoming the first Venezuelans to score in their Copa America debuts since Jose Manuel Velazquez in 2016.
They will now hope to upset Mexico and pick up consecutive wins for the first time in the competition since 2016. The 4-2-3-1 formation is the way forward, with Rafael Romo in goal. He should be protected by the back four of Alexander Gonzalez, Nahuel Ferraresi, Yordan Osorio and Miguel Navarro.
Jose Martínez and Yangel Herrera should form the double pivot in midfield, with Darwin Machís, Cristian Casseres Jr. and Yeferson Soteldo supporting Rondon up front.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Romo; Gonzalez, Ferraresi, Osorio, Navarro; Martinez, Herrera; Savarino, Casseres, Soteldo; Rondon
Mexico
Captain Edson Alvarez was taken off with what appeared to be a hamstring strain against Jamaica, leaving his status in question for the remainder of this tournament.
A wonder strike from Gerardo Arteaga was all El Tri needed to claim victory on matchday one, marking his first goal with the national team. Julio Gonzalez made four stops to secure his first international clean sheet.
A 4-2-3-1 formation is the way forward, with Julio Jose Gonzalez in goal. He should be protected by the back four of Jorge Sanchez, Cesar Montes, Johan Vasquez and Gerardo Arteaga.
Luis Romo and Luis Chavez should form the double pivot, with the trio of Alexis Vega, Orbelin Pineda, and Julian Quinones. Star striker Santiago Gimenez should lead the line.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Gonzalez; Jorge Sanchez, Montes, Vasquez, Arteaga; Romo, Chavez; Pineda, Quinoes, Vega; Gimenez
Key Stats
- Mexico have a chance to secure consecutive clean sheets in the group stage of this tournament for the first time since 2001.
- Historically, Mexico have a strong record against Venezuela, never losing in 13 all-time meetings and winning two of the three Copa America encounters between the sides.
- A victory on the night will signify the first time Venezuela have won consecutive matches at the Copa America since 2016.
- Mexico have defeated Venezuela 14 times in 20 clashes so far, drawing four and losing just twice.
Player to Watch
Santiago Gimenez
Feyenoord star Santiago Gimenez will be the focal point for Mexico’s offence. Coming off a sensational 2023/24 campaign where he netted 26 goals and assisted eight more in 41 games for the Dutch giants, Gimenez will look to make a significant impact in the tournament.
Linked with a move away this summer, a strong showing at Copa America could boost his chances of securing a big transfer. The game against Jamaica offered the striker an opportunity to rekindle his scoring touch and build momentum ahead of more challenging opponents. Having drawn a blank against Jamaica, he will be keen to set the record straight.
Prediction
Venezuela 1-1 Mexico
Venezuela’s historic comeback and solid defence against CONCACAF teams show they are capable of challenging Mexico. However, Mexico’s consistent form and ability to control possession make them a formidable opponent. A lot will depend on who is more clinical in the final thrid and the Hard Tackle predicts a 1-1 draw on the night.