Group C in the Copa America Centenario reaches its final conclusion this evening, but while all four teams are in action, the main event is the early match between Mexico and Venezuela. Both teams have already clinched a spot in the quarterfinals, but with both of them tied in Group C with 6 points, El Tri and La Vinotinto fight to see who wins the group. With the teams separated only by goal differential (+4 for Mexico, +2 for Venezuela), the scenarios are simple: Mexico wins the group with a win or draw, while Venezuela must win to be the Group C winner.
Mexico has been a team on a mission so far, but even though they started out capitalizing on an early own goal by Uruguay, Uruguay later on equalized. It was then that Mexico rolled through Uruguay, scoring 2 late goals to emerge as 3-1 victors. It was a similar story against Jamaica, with Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez scoring early and Oribe Peralta scoring late to outlast Jamaica 2-0. They have been the superior team in both matches and have looked good doing it, providing entertaining soccer to their raucous crowds.
Still, look out for Venezuela. While they have held off Jamaica and Uruguay by 1-0 scores, they have been tough defensively. Their defense has not been broken yet and so far they have surprised many people with their ability to hold off some tough opponents. Against Mexico, they will have to block out the near-sellout crowd that is expected in Houston that will undoubtedly be full of green jerseys.
The Group C winner will also be a team that will end up on what has turned out to be the "easier" side of the bracket, as Peru knocked out Brazil last night to be Colombia's opponent. The Group C runner-up will not only have to probably face likely Group D winner Argentina, but also face off against the United States or Ecuador in the semifinals should they defeat Lionel Messi and La Albiceleste. That's probably enough motivation for these two teams to come out swinging and hope that in the end, they're the ones crowned Group C winners.
The late match is strictly for pride. Uruguay and Jamaica have both suffered two losses and have already been eliminated from the Copa America Centenario. For Uruguay, the 9th-ranked team in the current FIFA rankings, this is a chance to salvage some pride and not leave the United States having finished dead last in their group. They've had some turmoil, particularly against Venezuela when they inexplicably let their star Luis Suarez dress before telling him he was not playing due to injury. They will have to put that episode behind them and fight to finish 3rd. Jamaica, on the other hand, they've commanded respect and despite not scoring a goal, they've earned that respect. This is the 2nd year in a row they have appeared in the Copa America, and this experience will really help them going forward in World Cup qualifying. Make no mistake about it, however...they want to win, and they will want to go home with 3 points in their pocket.
Location: NRG Stadium (Houston, TX)
Kick-off time: 8:00pm Eastern
Available TV: Fox Sports 1 (English), Univision, Univision Deportes (Spanish)
Available streaming: Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2 Go (English), Univision Deportes (Spanish)
For listings in other countries, check out LiveSoccerTV.com.
And here is your broadcasting information for the late game, Uruguay versus Jamaica.
Location: Levi's Stadium (Santa Clara, CA)
Kick-off time: 10:00pm Eastern
Available TV: Fox Sports 1 (English), Univision, Univision Deportes (Spanish)
Available streaming: Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2 Go (English), Univision Deportes (Spanish)
For listings in other countries, check out LiveSoccerTV.com.