Jamaica Vs Venezuela: Determination Of Group Champion Without Coaches

Venezuela is aiming for the group winner against Jamaica in the 2024 Copa America match. (X/@SeleVinotinto)

JAKARTA - Venezuela's formality match against Jamaica in Group B of the 2024 Copa America at the Q2 Stadium, Austin, Texas, Monday, July 1, 2024 in the morning WIB. But Venezuela is still aiming for points to win the group.

Venezuela has definitely qualified for the quarter-finals after winning two wins over Ecuador and Mexico. The success of winning six points is beyond predictions because Ecuador and Mexico are superior.

But Venezuela actually showed its best performance and was overshadowed by luck so that it was able to pick up perfect points in the first two matches.

Now, La Vinotinto is about to finish the final group stage match. Fernando Batista's team only needed a draw to ensure the group winner.

If he appears as the leader of the standings in Group B, Venezuela can avoid a meeting with Argentina in the round of 8. A 2-0 win over Peru makes Argentina the winner of Group A.

This is what makes the match against Jamaica still not a formality for Venezuela. Despite qualifying for the quarter-finals, Venezuela chose to avoid a meeting with Argentina which met ranked 2nd in Group B.

Hanya, Bastita tak bisa mendampingi tim di laga terakhir. Pelatih asal Argentina ini dikenakan sanksi oleh CONMEBOL yaitu larang mendampingi tim selama satu pertandingan.

"Batista is very disappointed because he can't accompany the team. But we still have to respect the decision," said assistant coach Leandro Cufre.

"Regarding the last match, we will field the best team because this is the most important match and we must be able to get points," he said.

For Jamaica, the last match was completely a formality. Bad results by swallowing two consecutive defeats made Jamaica eliminated.

However, coach Heimir Hallgrimsson hopes The Reggae Boyz can end the group stage with a win.

"We are competing to win. We have many reasons why we have to win this game. And, this is very important for us," said Hallgrimsson.

"Of course we want to occupy a different position from today. The team is also in good condition. The players' morale remains high and they look happy. The atmosphere in the team is very good. This deserves appreciation," he said.

Furthermore, the coach from Iceland said that this year's Copa America was full of surprises. Venezuela's success in advancing to the quarter-finals was also considered a surprise in the biggest football tournament in South America.

"They were a surprise in this tournament. We have indeed analyzed them. It must be admitted, they are indeed a team with hard-working players with very quality individuals. They are also very confident," said Hallgrimsson. In that match, Hallgrimsson will field Demarai Gray, who was banned in the last match of Jamaica. Gray will work hand in hand with Shamar Nicholson to support Kaheim Dixon's center forward.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Jahmali Waite remains standing under the bar. By placing three defenders, Joel Latibeaudiere will work with Michael Hector and Wesley Harding. The anchor duo is filled with Damion Lowe and Kasey Palmer.

Venezuela looks like it will rotate the players. With the 4-2-3-1 scheme, Rafael Romo will be the choice for the goalkeeper's position.

He was fortified by the full back duo of Jon Aramburu and Miguel Navarro. While at the heart of the defense there are Nahuel Ferraresi and Jordan Osorio.

Midfielders Jose Mart Mariez and Christian Makoun occupy the position of double pivot in the middle. Meanwhile, Jhonder Cadiz strikers will spearhead. He was supported by Mattas Lacava and Yeferson Soteldo

Jamaika Lineup Forecast (3-4-2-1): Waite; Hector, Latibeaudiere, Harding; Lembikisa, Lowe, Palmer, Marshall; Nicholson, Gray; Dixon

Venezuela (4-2-3-1): Romo; Aguburu, Ferraresi, Osorio, Navarro; Martinez, Makoun; Lacava, Savarino, Soteldo; Cadiz