Mexico's draw with Venezuela gives El Tri 1st in Group C

Tuesday, June 14, 2016
HOUSTON -- Jesus Manuel "Tecatito" Corona's goal in the 80th minute gave Mexico a 1-1 tie against Venezuela on Monday night and first place in Group C of the Copa America.

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Corona had missed several opportunities to score before he took on five defenders before firing off a shot from 10 yards to tie it up and thrill the overwhelmingly pro-Mexico crowd.

By winning their group, El Tri avoids a quarterfinal matchup with Lionel Messi and tournament favorite Argentina. They're likely headed for an easier matchup with Chile in the knockout round, leaving Venezuela to face mighty Argentina.
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Venezuela surprised Mexico with an early goal. The Vinotinto used a free kick to get it in the box, and Jose Manuel Velazquez gave Venezuela the lead in the 10th minute after taking an assist on a header from Christian Santos and volleying it in for the goal.

Venezuela had a chance to take the lead in the 84th minute, but goalkeeper Jose de Jesus Corona saved a bicycle kick shot by Josef Martinez.



For more on the COPA America competition including stats and scores, click here.
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