Jun 30, 2024; Austin, TX, USA; Venezuela goalkeeper forward Salomón Rondón (23) dribbles while defended by Jamaica midfielder Joel Latibeaudiere (15) during the first half at Q2 Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
AUSTIN, Texas (Reuters) -Venezuela hammered Jamaica 3-0 in Texas on Sunday to seal top spot in Group B and set up a Copa America quarter-final with Canada.
Goals from Eduard Bello and Salomon Rondon early in the second half, followed by a late strike from Eric Ramirez, ensured victory for the Venezuelan side.
Venezuela had already booked their spot in the last eight with wins over Ecuador and Mexico and needed just a point against already-eliminated Jamaica to clinch top spot and avoid defending champions Argentina in the next round.
Jamaica's best opportunity came in the 21st minute but Renaldo Cephas' diving header soared over.
Bello's powerful downward header put the South Americans in front in the 49th minute and Rondon doubled their lead seven minutes later with a scuffed effort past Jamaica keeper Jahmali Waite.
It was Rondon's 43rd international goal, extending his record as Venezuela's highest scorer.
Ramirez added Venezuela's third on the breakaway in the 85th minute, sending a right-footed shot under the advancing Waite after a well-timed pass from Kervin Andrade.
Venezuela were joined in the last eight by Group B runners-up Ecuador, who qualified thanks to their superior goal difference after holding Mexico 0-0 in the other match, with both teams tied on four points.
(Reporting by Field Level Media, additional reporting by Simon Jennings in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
