Ecuador secures a crucial 3-1 win over Jamaica in Las Vegas, boosting their chances of reaching the Copa America quarter-finals. Jamaica faces elimination after the defeat.
Bollywood Fever: Ecuador kept their hopes of qualifying for the Copa America quarter-finals alive with a 3-1 win over Jamaica in Las Vegas on Wednesday, leaving the ‘Reggae Boyz’ on the brink of elimination.
Ecuador went ahead in the 13th minute via a Jamaica own goal when Piero Hincapie’s cross from the left was deflected off Kasey Palmer’s shin into the net. The South Americans doubled their lead just before the interval with a Kendry Paez penalty kick, awarded after a handball by Gregory Leigh. Alan Minda sealed the victory in the 91st minute with a goal from a classic counter-attack.
Jamaica halved the deficit shortly after halftime, scoring their first-ever Copa America goal in their eighth match in the tournament. Following a corner, Ethan Pinnock’s effort was blocked by the Ecuador defense, but the rebound fell to Michail Antonio, who rifled the ball into the net.
In the 73rd minute, Jamaica thought they had earned a penalty when referee Cristian Garay checked the monitor for a possible handball by Alan Franco. However, the referee decided not to award a spot kick.
This victory gave Ecuador, who were beaten by Venezuela in their Group B opener, their first points of the tournament, moving them level with Mexico and Venezuela, each with three points. The top two teams from the group will progress to the quarter-finals.
Jamaica, having lost their opener to Mexico, must win their final group game against Venezuela to have any hope of advancing. However, they will be eliminated if Mexico and Venezuela draw or if Venezuela beats Mexico in their upcoming match.
Jamaica will face Venezuela in Austin, Texas, while Mexico will play against Ecuador in Glendale, Arizona, in the final round of Group B matches on Sunday.
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