Mexico shuts out Jamaica, advances in Copa America
Javier Hernandez scored on a first-half header, and Mexico survived a tense second half to advance to the Copa America quarterfinals Thursday night with a 2-0 victory over Jamaica at the Rose Bowl.
Substitute Oribe Peralta scored in the 81st minute and goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa made several big stops in El Tri’s 11th consecutive win in international play, including its first two Copa America games.
Chicharito put Mexico ahead in the 18th minute with an exceptional header, outjumping Wes Morgan and setting off a seismic celebration at a Rose Bowl packed with Mexican fans for the rematch of last year’s Gold Cup final.
Hernandez, 28, got his 45th career goal for Mexico, leaving him one shy of tying Jared Borgetti’s national-team record.
Salomon Rondon scored on a rebound after a shot from midfield struck the crossbar and Venezuela beat Uruguay 1-0 in Philadelphia to advance to the Copa America quarterfinals.
The West Bromwich striker scored in the 36th minute, after a shot from midfield by Alejandro Guerra was barely deflected by Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera and hit the crossbar.
Venezuela won its first two games and leads Group C with six points.
Messi departed in the second half of a 1-0 victory against Honduras on May 27 with a back and rib injury.
Pele, a World Cup winner in 1958, 1962 and 1970, is auctioning his collection of awards and memorabilia.