Well, at least goals were scored in the Copa America today. A bunch of goals and a bunch of cards dominated day three of the Copa America Centenario. We also saw a team surprisingly take a win to put themselves in a great position for the rest of the group stage.
1) Biggest Winner: Venezuela
Of all teams to pull off an upset so far in the Copa America Centenario, we wouldn’t have predicted Venezuela to win. The CONMEBOL team who is situated last in World Cup Qualifying looked doomed to have a terrible Copa America. Instead, they got things together and stayed competitive, earning a 1-0 hard fought win against Jamaica.
2) Standout Performer: Andre Blake (Jamaica)
Despite a losing effort, Andre Blake put in a masterful performance. I’m sure he wasn’t expecting to be that busy against Venezuela but once Venezuela scored and Jamaica went down a man, Blake stepped up and made sure the defecit stayed at a goal. Jamaica wasn’t able to equalize but Blake had to be in tip top shape to remain a goal behind.
3) Biggest Loser: Winfried Schafer and Wes Morgan
When Jamaica manager Winfried Schafer said that Wes Morgan was starting on the bench against Venezuela because he was “tired” from celebrating Leicester City’s Premier League win, we all had a great laugh. That remains a great laugh if you still win. Venezuela then scored and Morgan had to play the final 50 minutes so the joke eventually stopped being funny once Venezuela won.
4) Best Tweet:
Chile scores!
— Phil Schoen (@PhilSchoen) June 6, 2016
5) Biggest Surprise: Venezuela may advance to the knockout stage
Not only was it shocking that Venezuela won today, they have a legitimate shot to advance to the knockout stage. With Uruguay’s two goal loss to Mexico, Venezuela is up by three goals on goal differential. If they can sneak a draw against Uruguay on Thursday, all they would need to do is limit their loss to Mexico and they can enjoy a 2nd place group finish.
6) Worst Moment: Playing the Chilean National Anthem for Uruguay
Okay, it was a mistake and it didn’t seem like there was any harm. Copa America officials apologized as well. But really, double check that kind of thing because it’s incredibly embarrassing when the wrong anthem is played.
7) Best Goal: Diego Godin – Uruguay
The actual goal by Diego Godin was the best goal of the day. It became moot after a few minutes when Mexico scored twice and won 3-1 but in terms of beauty, it was the best goal of the day.
What a turnaround! Moments after Guardado's sending-off, Diego Godin ties it up for Uruguay. #MEXvURU #MyCopaColors https://t.co/czFtzsklQ2
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 6, 2016
8) Extra Time:
It was a card fest in the two games today. Ten yellows and three red cards were displayed in
Jamaica/Venezuela and Mexico/Uruguay. The referees were strict and the players obviously didn’t appreciate that.
9) Monday’s Games:
Monday has Group D and after Monday, every team will have played a game in the Copa America Centenario. Panama and Bolivia square off in Orlando at 7 PM ET while Argentina and Chile play in a rematch of the 2015 Copa America Final in Santa Clara at 10 PM ET.
