The Venezuela coach encouraged his players to stay focused after a 1-0 win over Uruguay secured passage to the Copa America quarterfinals.
PHILADELPHIA — Venezuela coach Rafael Dudamel isn't blind to the perception of his squad. With his team mired in last place in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying and facing an unenviable Copa America Centenario draw, there wasn't much faith that La Vinotinto would have a long stay in the United States this summer.
But the Venezuelans now find themselves through to the Copa America knockout round after just two group matches. Having opened the tournament with a triumph over 10-man Jamaica, Venezuela rode a Salomon Rondon strike to a 1-0 win against Uruguay on Thursday in the tournament's biggest upset thus far.