Venezuela Top Group B, Seal Copa America Quarter-Final with Canada

On Sunday, Venezuela defeated Jamaica 3-0 in Texas to win Group B and advance to the Copa America quarterfinals against Canada.

The Venezuelan team won with to goals from Eduard Bello and Salomon Rondon early in the second half and a late goal from Eric Ramirez.

With victories over Ecuador and Mexico, Venezuela had guaranteed their place in the last eight. To secure the top spot and avoid facing the reigning champions Argentina in the following round, they only needed a point against Jamaica, who had already been eliminated.

The finest chance for Jamaica came in the twenty-first minute, but Renaldo Cephas' diving header went high.

The South Americans took the lead in the 49th minute thanks to a strong downward header from Bello, and they doubled their lead seven minutes later when Rondon scuffed a shot past Jamaican goalkeeper Jahmali Waite.

Rondon's record as Venezuela's top scorer was extended with his 43rd goal on the international scene.

After a clever cross from Kervin Andrade, Ramirez added Venezuela's third goal on the breakaway in the 85th minute, putting his right footed effort beneath Waite's approaching goal.

Group B runners-up Ecuador, who qualified with a better goal differential after holding Mexico 0-0 in the previous game and both teams drew on four points, joined Venezuela in the round of eight.

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