Mexico continued to show off their credentials as one of the favorites to win the 2016 Copa America Centenario with an entertaining 2-0 victory over Jamaica on Thursday night which clinched their berth in the quarterfinals in front of 83,263 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.
Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez expertly headed Mexico into an early lead and his second-half substitute, Oribe Peralta, put the finishing touch on another sweeping Mexican attack with nine minutes left to secure El Tri's second win in as many games.
Jamaica had their chances, but between misfiring forwards and acrobatic reflex saves from Mexico netminder Guillermo "Memo" Ochoa, the Reggae Boyz were foiled and sent home packing after dropping their second straight match in the competition.
Mexico's win also ensured that Venezuela qualified for the quarterfinals from Group C. The two sides meet in the third and final matchday on Monday to determine quarterfinal placement and the opportunity to avoid a matchup against Argentina. Meanwhile, Uruguay and Jamaica will play for pride in their finale.
Box Score
- 18’ – MEX – Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez (Jesus Manuel Corona)
- 81' – MEX – Oribe Peralta (Hector Herrera, Hirving Lozano)
- Full box score
- Stats
Next Up
- MEX: Monday, June 13 vs. Venezuela (8 pm ET; FS1, Univision, UDN)
- JAM: Monday, June 13 vs. Uruguay (10 pm ET; FS1, UniMás, UDN)
