Jesus “Tecatito” Corona sliced through the Venezuela defense to score a goal late in the game that gave Mexico the top spot in Group C.
The game ended in a 1-1 tie. But that’s all Mexico needed to avoid what would have been a likely game against Argentina in the quarterfinals of the Copa America.
Corona dribbled impressively through five defenders into the Venezuelan box to put himself in position for the point-blank shot that gave the goalkeeper no chance.
Venezuela took the 1-0 lead in the first half, as Mexican coach Ricardo Osorio fielded a team made mostly of reserve players in the final game of Group C. Corona came in as a substitute early in the match for injured Javier Aquino.
Mexico will play Saturday at Santa Clara against either Chile or Panama, while Venezuela will play Argentina.
