They were picked as one of the dark horses of the tournament before it started but Jamaica's Copa America Centenario hopes may have been extinguished after just 24 minutes.
That was when Rodolph Austin was show a red card for a challenge that raked Tomas Rincon's shin, after the Jamaican had cleared a ball. The card also came after Venezuela pounced on a Michael Hector mistake in the 15th minute. After a beautiful string of passes, Josef Martinez got the ball through Andre Blake's legs to give Venezuela a lead.
Jamaica had a few chances for the rest of the match, including a Hector shot that hit the post at the start of the second half and some more chances on set pieces. The Reggae Boyz will need to beat CONCACAF rivals Mexico for any hope of advancing to the knockout rounds.
Box Score
- 15' - VEN - Josef Martinez (Alejandro Guerra)
- Full box score
- Stats
Three Things
AUSTIN, SCHAFER TOSSED:
Rodolph Austin wasn't the only one ejected from Sunday's game. Jamaica coach Winfried Schafer was also thrown out at halftime after arguing with the officials during the break. He watched the second half from the stands. As for Austin, some called the red he was shown harsh, others thought it was justified. It was clear that his foot was in a position it should not have been but how important is it that he got the ball first. You be the judge.
Rodolph Austin sent off for this studs-up clearance/tackle. Harsh call? You be the judge... #JAMvVEN#MyCopaColorshttps://t.co/Um9IeVJgX2
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 5, 2016
Next Up
- Jamaica: Thursday vs. Mexico (10 pm ET; FS1/Univision/UDN)
- Venezuela: Thursday vs. Uruguay (7:30 pm ET; FS1/UniMás/UDN)