Out with a whimper

THE JAMAICANS have continued the trend of not winning a game at the Copa America, losing their final group encounter against Venezuela 3-0 at the Q2 Stadium in the United States yesterday.

The Venezuelans, who topped the group with three wins from as many games, got their goals from Eduard Bello in the 49th minute of play; Salomón Rondón, in the 56th; and Eric Ramírez, in the 85th.

The Reggae Boyz finished bottom of Group B without a point, having conceded seven goals and scoring once in a 3-1 loss to Ecuador last week.

Jamaica’s opener was a 1-0 loss to Mexico, who also failed to make it out of the group.

Mexico and Ecuador played to a dramatic 0-0 draw in their game, with both finishing on four points.

Ecuador ended with a plus-one goal difference while Mexico’s stood at zero, leaving them third.

Bello’s goal came from a Jon Aramburu cross that was not well defended. The close-range header was unsavable once the player found himself unmarked.

Just six minutes later, Venezuela were 2-0 up when Rondón, put through on goal by Yangel Herrera, shrugged off a meaty shoulder barge from Michael Hector to scramble home, again from close range.

Ramírez, who had been on the field for just three minutes, was played onside by Damion Lowe after another through ball, with Jamaica trying to close the deficit.

The attacker took the goal well, slotting home to seal the victory.

Venezuela will now play against Canada in the quarterfinals, and Ecuador are up against Argentina.