Copa America: Salomon Rondon breaks goal record as Venezuela knock out Uruguay
Salomon Rondon scored the only goal to fire Venezuela into the quarter-finals of the Copa America last night and knock out fifteen-time champions Uruguay.
The West Brom striker continued on his recent hot streak to become the first Venezuelan to score in three Copa Americas as he rolled home the 36th-minute winner when a long-range shot from Alejandro Guerra was tipped onto the crossbar.
After beating Jamaica 1-0 in their opening match of the tournament, Venezuela have made it through to the quarter-finals with a game to spare.
An impressive feat considering the underdogs currently sit bottom of the South American 2018 World Cup qualifying group with one point from their opening six games.
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Uruguay's defeat was their second successive in the group, with Mexico's 2-0 victory over Jamaica confirming their shock exit.
Luis Suarez, who was an unused substitute after injuring his hamstring in Barcelona's Copa del Rey final win over Sevilla, cut a despondent figure throughout the game.
At one point he struck the side of the dugout and allegedly threw one of his boots on to the pitch.
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However coach Oscar Tabarez seemed oblivious to Suarez's antics.
"The player is not fit to play," said Tabarez. "I will not select a player who is not 100%. Was he angry? I am not aware. He told me nothing."
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