Photo by Troy Taormina/USA Today Sports
Venezuela came into Monday’s Group C finale seeking a third straight upset, and they nearly completed their impressive feat before Jesus Manuel Corona decided to change the script.
Mexico earned a thrilling 1-1 tie against Venezuela on Monday night, as Corona’s late equalizer earned El Tri a share of the points.
After just 10 minutes into the match, Jose Manuel Velazquez put La Vinotinto in front in spectacular fashion. Alejandro Guerra’s free kick started the sequence, before Christian Santos’ header centered the ball for Velasquez. The 25-year-old centerback acrobatically finished the play, giving Venezuela the early 1-0 lead.
Juan Carlos Osorio and Mexico had their penalty shouts denied in the 38th minute when the ball struck Wilker Angel’s arm on the way to the net.
Needing a goal to at least preserve a draw, Mexico came out swinging in the second half, constantly badgering the Venezuelan backline.
Jesus Corona’s sublime dribbling and finish in the 80th minute brought Mexico back after creating several dangerous attacks throughout the night. The 23-year-old led El Tri with six shots in the match, including the goal.
With both sides already through to the quarterfinals, Mexico finished atop Group C based on goal differential. El Tri will face the second-place finisher in Group D, currently held by Chile, while Venezuela would be meet Argentina if the group stage ended on Monday.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Jesus “Tecatito” Corona wasn’t tabbed as a starter for El Tri on Monday, but his presence was certainly a game changer for the CONCACAF nation. His quick dribbling and elusiveness fooled the Venezuelan backline at an inopportune time, keeping Mexico undefeated in group play.
MOMENT OF THE MATCH
Venezuela looked like they were going to pull off another stunning upset tonight, but Corona had his say with the game’s second goal, which proved to be the equalizer.
MATCH TO FORGET
While Venezuela keeper Dani Hernandez stood on his head throughout the game, making seven saves, La Vinotinto’s defense let him down with 10 minutes left to play.
