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HOUSTON | Xinhua | A second-half strike from Gerardo Arteaga fired Mexico to a 1-0 victory over Jamaica in their opening Copa America Group B clash here on Saturday.
Arteaga broke the deadlock in the 69th minute at NRG stadium when he received Luis Romo’s layoff before rifling an 18-yard shot into the far corner.
Mexico survived a tense finale to secure their first victory in the Copa America since 2016, when they last participated in the continental tournament.
But their celebrations were tempered by an injury to captain Edson Alvarez. The West Ham midfielder limped off in the 30th minute with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.
Earlier, Eduard Bello scored late as Venezuela secured a 2-1 win over 10-man Ecuador in Santa Clara, California.
Ecuador were reduced to 10 men in the 22nd minute at Levi’s stadium after veteran forward Enner Valencia was shown a straight red card for hacking down Jose Martinez.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, the Tricolor went ahead just before halftime through Jeremy Sarmiento’s strike.
But Venezuela took control after halftime and they were rewarded for their dominance just after the hour when Jhonder Cadiz slotted home from 12 yards after Salomon Rondon’s pass.
Bello gave his side the lead 10 minutes later as goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez parried away Rondon’s header only to see Bello thump in the rebound. ■
