Author of a very violent kick on the chest of the Venezuelan José Martinez, the captain of Ecuador Enner Valencia, expelled, precipitated the fall of his team, beaten 2-1 by Venezuela on Saturday in Santa Clara (California) for its entry into the Copa America.
Venezuela beat Ecuador 2-1 in the first match of Group B of the Copa America USA 2024 on Saturday in Santa Clara (California), taking advantage of the expulsion for assault of Ecuadorian captain Enner Valencia. Ecuador opened the scoring in the 40th minute with a goal from striker Jeremy Sarmiento, even though they were already outnumbered after the direct red card inflicted on Valencia in the 22nd minute.
The 34-year-old Ecuadorian striker and captain was sent off for delivering a violent kick to the chest of Venezuelan José Martinez, just after Venezuelan goalkeeper Rafael Romo had blocked a dangerous shot from young Ecuadorian prospect Kendry Paez, 17, at the last minute. years old and junior of the tournament.
Venezuela reverses everything in less than ten minutes
This expulsion, decided by VAR, is the first since the start of this edition of the Copa America, the oldest national team tournament in the world. Taking advantage of its superiority in numbers, Venezuela turned the situation around in less than ten minutes after the break, thanks first to Jhoner Cadiz (65th) then to Eduard Bello (74th), two players barely off the bench.
