Matchday 7 in the Copa America Centenario witnessed perhaps the biggest upset when Uruguay were driven out of the competition by Venezuela after a 1-0 loss, leaving them empty-handed even after 2 games. Jamaica could have done a favour by winning their game shortly after, but Mexico gatecrashed to seal a 2-0 victory and ensure a berth in the quarter-finals alongside Venezuela.
Here are the major talking points from both set of games.
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#1 Uruguay endure another Copa America disappointment
If going out limply in the quarter-finals last year was bad, this is worse. Not only are Uruguay out in the group stages, but are also on course to equal their worst Copa America performance since 1997, when they last exited in the first round.
The signs were there for all to see in the opening game defeat to Mexico as Los Charraus cut a forlorn figure. And although there were sparks of life against Venezuela, Uruguay were still not at their best and the result speaks for itself.
The tone was set when Barcelona ace Luis Suarez was deemed doubtful after sustaining a hamstring injury last month, and Oscar Tabarez’s side never really recovered from the blow. One of the favourites for the title, unfortunately, Uruguay are now bowing out of the competition with their tails in between their legs.
#2 Cavani in the eye of the storm
Save for Diego Godin, the rest of Uruguay has been no great shakes in this special edition of the Copa America. But one man who will be the cynosure of all the brickbats back in the homeland is Edinson Cavani, who once again disappointed massively in the attack.
With Luis Suarez fretting helplessly on the sidelines, the PSG marksman was supposed to be shouldering the mantle in his absence, but Cavani was once again wasteful with his chances.
In the opening quarter, Cavani had a great chance to open the scorings after Gonzalez set him up with a neat cut back, but had his tame effort went wide of the post. Shortly after, the 29-year old was presented with another chance when he was about to get to the end of a free-kick from Ramirez, but failed to connect with the ball.
In the dying embers of the game, the striker fluffed two more opportunities, the first in which he had the entire frame at his mercy, thereby summing up his Copa America campaign.
Following a prolific season with his club side, Cavani was touted to be one of the star attractions of the competition and also a key player for Uruguay. But after two utterly dismal showings, he has besmirched his face by his own hands (or rather his feet).
#3 Tabarez’s future dangling by a thread
Uruguay head coach Oscar Tabarez could feel the sword of Damocles hanging right above his head after a forgetful World Cup campaign in Brazil two years ago, and the pressure only soared after another disappointment in a major competition when they were went out in the quarters of the Copa America last year without winning a single game.
Now forced to contend with the embarrassment of watching his side resign from the continental showpiece in the first round itself, the 69-year old sees a very bleak future with the Skyblues after 10 long years at the helm.
The Uruguayan enjoyed some of his best spell as a manager when he guided the country to a 4th place finish in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, having failed to even qualify in the previous four editions. His career, however, peaked when he led La Celeste to a record-breaking 15th Copa America title in 2011 in Argentina. Since then, though, it has gone all downhill for him and Uruguay.
The side is lacking any originality and putting all their eggs in a Luis Suarez-sized basket has made them pay big time. Tabarez looks exhausted of ideas, and an influx of new management seems to be the need of the hour.
#4 Chicharito did what he does best
An outcast at Manchester United, Javier Hernandez a.k.a Chicharito, moved to Bayer Leverkusen in search of greener pastures. The decision paid off heartily as the Mexican found his shooting boots again, scoring 26 times in 45 appearances. Now with Mexico for the Copa America duty, he’s back amongst the goals as the 28-year old struck a sublime header to set his side on the path to the quarter-finals.
In a rematch of the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup final, Jesus Corona sent in a whipping cross which found Hernandez inside the box and the former Real Madrid man headed home into the bottom corner for his 45th international goal.
That takes him just one shy of Jared Borgetti’s all-time record of 46 for Mexico, and his current form suggests it won’t be long enough when he surpasses the mark.
#5 Top-spot for group C will be hotly contested
After today’s round of results, it’s confirmed that Mexico and Venezuela will be advancing to the last 8 at the expense of Uruguay and Jamaica, but the contest for the group’s leadership is still open.
Currently, Mexico lead the pack with a better goal-difference and only a draw on Tuesday will be enough to finish as leaders. However, Venezuela have plans of their own.
La Vinotinto, one of the lowest ranked teams in the competition, are already emerging to be the surprise package of this tournament, having gained a spot in the next round by upsetting big shots Uruguay. Their biggest strength has been their sturdy defense, breaching which should be a major hurdle for the Mexicans.
The team finishing second will face the might of Argentina in the quarters, and avoiding them until the finals is what on everyone’s mind. The tie is not done yet, and a hotly contested game between Mexico and Venezuela is awaiting Houston.
