Copa América: Venezuela GK slams media after upset of Mexico

Venezuela goalkeeper Rafael Romo stated his workforce had been “underestimated” after their 1-0 Copa América win over Mexico on Wednesday, criticizing what he stated was “vanity” and “ignorance” from Mexican media forward of the conflict.

Romo, 34, saved an 87th minute penalty from Mexico substitute Orbelín Pineda — after Salomón Rondón had earlier given Venezuela the lead from the spot — to make it two wins out of two as they topped Group B.

Venezuela at the moment are assured of a spot within the Copa América quarterfinals forward of their final group recreation in opposition to Jamaica in Austin, Texas, on Sunday, whereas Mexico might want to beat Ecuador in Glendale, Arizona, to progress.

“Mexico are an important workforce, who play effectively,” Romo informed TUDN. “We’ve the humility to acknowledge our opponents. We do not have that vanity, that ignorance that lots of Mexican journalists have, who underestimated us.

“We got here right here to do our jobs, and we received three factors that are very invaluable for us.”

Venezuela had didn’t beat Mexico in 13 matches going into Wednesday’s recreation at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

Earlier than the sport, the entrance web page of Mexican sports activities newspaper Document featured the headline “Venezuela, I’m your father” — with a picture of Darth Vader — highlighting Mexico’s “absolute dominance” in earlier conferences.

Venezuela had been eradicated on the group stage on the 2021 Copa América, ending backside of their group, whereas in 2019 their had been crushed by Argentina within the quarterfinals.

They’ve been in spectacular type in current months, and have misplaced simply as soon as of their final eight aggressive video games.

“I am blissful that we had been in a position to give some pleasure to the individuals in Venezuela. We performed for that,” Venezuela coach Fernando Batista stated. “However we have to stay calm and maintain our toes on the bottom.”