12th Match: Ecuador vs Jamaica – Copa America 2024

LAS VEGAS, June 26 – (OleMundo.com)

Ecuador and Jamaica played out their second game of the 2024 Copa America campaign in front of nearly 45,000 fans at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV. in a thrilling, close, back-and-forth that resulted in Ecuador taking the victory and three points.

Analysis

Ecuador takes their first three points of the campaign and leaves Jamaica in a precarious position leaving the group. This match was fairly even back and forth for most stretches of the game, the major difference between the two sides being the disorganization of the Jamaican defense which led to way more shots on goal from the Ecuadorians.

The scoring opened for Ecuador in the 13th minute after Piero Hincapie’s cross from the left came off of midfielder Kasey Palmer for an unfortunate own goal. Palmer was rushing to get back to goal and came foot over the ball, sending it spinning in the right side of the net and out of reach of a flat-footed Waite in goal.

More misfortune for the Reggae Boyz led to even more breathing room for Ecuador in injury time of the first half. After a video review referee Cristian Garay called a handball on defender Greg Leigh which led to a penalty for Ecuador. The shot was converted by 17 year-old Kendry Paez, the youngest player in the tournament.

Shortly after halftime the Reggae Boyz put themselves back in the tie with their first ever Copa America Goal, and the first for forward Michail Antonio in 11 games for his country. A corner for Jamaica in the 54th minute, taken by Palmer, found its way to Ethan Pinnock. His shot managed to bounce off the back of defender William Pacho, then Hincaipe, before landing in front of Antonio. He did not hesitate in volleying the ball past Ecuador keeper Doimguez for the goal.

The game was nearly opened wide up and possibly made level in the 75th minute. VAR asked the referee to take another look at a possible handball by Ecuadorian Alan Franco. The ball appeared to hit his hand after a toepoke from Hector, then bouncing off Franco’s head and back onto his upstretched hand. Very controversially the penalty was not called and Ecuador’s one goal lead was maintained.

The game was sealed late in stoppage time when Jamaica failed to hold on to the ball during an attempted corner which led to an Ecuador counterattack. Alan Minda did a fantastic job as he picked the ball up near his own box, ran it all the way back, and with support starting to arrive, slotted it past Waite into the far corner for his first goal in six attempts.

Conclusion

Ecuador got a huge three points, drawing them level with Venezuela and Mexico on points in Group B. The stakes are now high for Jamaica who will need a victory against Venezuela, their next and final opponent in the group, in order to avoid elimination. Unfortunately for them, they also rely on Venezuela first falling to Mexico today. A draw or victory for Venezuela against Mexico also leads to elimination for the Reggae Boyz.

UPDATE: Mexico loses to Venezuela after a Rondon penalty, and Jamaica are officially eliminated from the Copa America, after failing to register a singlewin in 8 separate tournaments.

Match Stats Overview

Jamaica attempted 7 shots with 4 on target, maintaining 55% of possession. They completed 330 passes, earned 1 corners, and made 1 save. Additionally they committed no offsides, recorded 18 fouls and 4 yellow cards.

Ecuador, however, took 23 shots with 3 on target, with possession at 45%. They completed 274 passes, won 7 corners, and their keeper made 2 saves. Ecuador was caught offsides 2 times, committed 8 fouls and did not receive a card.

Final Match Stats

Ecuador

Shots: 23
Shots on goal: 3
Possession: 45%
Passes made: 274
Pass Accuracy: 77%
Corner kicks: 7
Offsides: 2
Fouls: 8
Saves: 2
Cards: 0
Jamaica

Shots: 7
Shots on goal: 4
Possession: 55%
Passes made: 330
Pass Accuracy: 76%
Corner kicks: 8
Offsides: 0
Fouls: 18
Saves: 1
Cards: 4 Yellow