Goals from substitutes Jhonder Cadiz and Eduard Bello secured a 2-1 victory for Venezuela over ten-man Ecuador in their Copa America Group B match on Saturday.
The game, held at Levi's Stadium, saw Ecuador reduced to ten players in the 22nd minute when striker Enner Valencia received a red card for dangerous play. Valencia struck Venezuela defender Jose Martinez in the chest with his boot while challenging for a high ball, initially receiving a yellow card. However, after a VAR review, it was upgraded to a straight red.
Despite being a man down, Ecuador took the lead in the 40th minute. Venezuela failed to clear a free-kick into the box, allowing Jeremy Sarmiento to seize the loose ball and score.
At halftime, Venezuela head coach Fernando Batista made crucial substitutions, bringing on Jhonder Cadiz and Eduard Bello, who both played pivotal roles in the turnaround.
Venezuela equalized in the 61st minute when striker Salomon Rondon set up Cadiz, whose shot from the edge of the box deflected past Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez.
The winning goal came in the 74th minute when Alexander Gonzalez delivered a cross from the right. Rondon's diving header was initially saved by Dominguez, but Bello was quick to react and fired home the rebound.
In the other Group B match later on Saturday, Mexico will face Jamaica.
Comment: