Group B at Copa America 2024 is set up to be unpredictable, with a new-look Mexico squad headlining the group that also features Ecuador, Venezuela and Jamaica. Mexico and Ecuador appear to have the edge when it comes to advancing to the knockout stage, but Venezuela and Jamaica both come into the competition in decent form and are capable of pulling off the upset.
Here’s a look at the standings and results in Group B at Copa America 2024.
Group B Standings
Venezuela, 3-0-0, 9 points, +5 GD
Ecuador, 1-1-1, 4 points, +2 GD
Mexico, 1-1-1, 4 points, 0 GD
Jamaica, 0-0-3, 0 points, -6 GD
Group B Results
Venezuela 2, Ecuador 1
This game started out with Ecuador pushing heavily but Enner Valencia’s reckless challenge in the box resulted in a direct red card for the star striker and changed the match. Ecuador actually did take the lead despite going down to 10 men but Venezuela were eventually to take charge. Jhonder Cadiz leveled the score early in the second half and Eduard Bello got what would be the game-winning goal 10 minutes later. It’s a huge result for Venezuela, while Ecuador now needs to do serious work to have a shot at the knockout stage.
Mexico 1, Jamaica 0
The Jamaicans were denied a goal thanks to VAR, and Mexico ultimately was able to take advantage. Jamaica did not have star goalkeeper Andre Blake, which meant Jahmali Waite had to fend off numerous attacks from El Tri. After some steady attacking play where Mexico looked to be one shot away from the lead, it took an absolute stunner from Gerardo Arteaga in the 69th minute to get on the board. Jamaica had one good chance since that goal but was unable to build more pressure.
Ecuador 3, Jamaica 1
After losing the opener to Venezuela, Ecuador bounced back in a big way against Jamaica. They benefitted from an own goal and a favorable penalty call but Ecuador still dominated the contest. If the South American side wins its final game against Mexico, it will likely qualify for the knockout round.
Venezuela 1, Mexico 0
Well, Mexico’s offensive woes struck once again and Venezuela took advantage. Salomon Rondon’s penalty was the difference in this one for the South Americans, who have qualified for the knockout round against all odds. Mexico will need to defeat Ecuador in the final game to make the quarterfinal round.
Venezuela 3, Jamaica 0
This has been a dream tournament so far for Venezuela. Three goals in the second half against Jamaica was the cherry on top, as the South American side had already qualified for the knockout round before taking the pitch. This was domination and now Venezuela will believe it has a real shot to win this competition.
Mexico 0, Ecuador 0
Ecuador goes to the next round with a draw while Mexico goes out. El Tri simply never clicked offensively with a new-look unit, and the ineffectiveness showed up once again with 19 shots but only three on target and no goal. Ecuador was simply able to see out the game, although there were a few big chances late for Mexico which could’ve been the difference.