2 Jose Manuel ‘Sema’ Velazquez – Venezuela (vs Mexico)
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That a defender is this high up in the Copa America best goals list is perhaps a quirk of South American football. It is doubly surprising because Velazuez isn’t considered a goal-scoring centre-back in any sense, this having been only his second ever goal for Venezuela.
The 25-year-old was drafted into this group game having missed the previous two, and justified Venezuelan coach Rafael Dudamel’s choice in the 10th minute. There seemed little danger when a free-kick was floated in, with Christian Santos’ header back across goal misdirected. However, Velazquez swiftly turned and adjusted his body; leapt into the air and performed an acrobatic scissor kick to power the ball home.
A goal that the best striker would be proud of, but that was the centre-back’s only goal of the tournament, with Venezuela crashing out to Argentina 4-1 in the quarterfinals. Yet, Sema Velazquez’ performances only enhanced his reputation, not in the least by this very goal.
