EPL Players at Copa America 2024 – Day 11
We are halfway through matchday 3 at the tournament, as group B concluded on day 11 with Venezuela ensuring that they finish on nine points by beating Jamaica, while Ecuador drew with Mexico to finish above them and qualify for the quarter-finals. As part of our EPLNews Copa America report, here is how Premier League players involved in the tournament performed.
Jamaica 0-3 Venezuela
The Reggae Boyz concluded their involvement at the Copa America without a single point and having scored only one goal. Meanwhile, Venezuela flexed their muscles in this game by scoring three times, through Eduard Bello, Salomon Rondon and Eric Ramirez.
The game in Austin had no real stakes, as Venezuela were already qualified and Jamaica already eliminated, and this was painfully evident in a dull first half that brought just one shot on target.
The second half brought about the goals, as well as a complete capitulation from Jamaica, who also had in their starting XI the only two EPL players featured in this match: Ethan Pinnock and Michail Antonio. The West Ham forward had the slightly better game of the two, being involved in a couple of Jamaica’s few chances.
Ratings
Jamaica: Ethan Pinnock (Brentford) – 6; Michail Antonio (West Ham) – 6.5
Venezuela: N/A
Mexico 0-0 Ecuador
A blank draw in Glendale means that Ecuador advanced to the quarter-finals thanks to a better goal difference than Mexico’s.
The football on show was not one of very high quality, with the game’s most important moments being provided by three VAR checks for penalties in Mexico’s favour, none of which were awarded.
In terms of Premier League players involved, only two Ecuadorians took to the field: Moises Caicedo and Jeremy Sarmiento. Their performances were good, as Caicedo also won the Man of the Match award. Sarmiento provided some width, and made a couple of good runs in this game.
Ratings
Mexico: N/A
Ecuador: Moises Caicedo (Chelsea) – 8; Jeremy Sarmiento (Brighton) – 7