The Lincoln Financial Field is the scenario where “La Vinotinto” is going to look for redemption. Venezuela’s soccer team will face a feared foe, Uruguay’s eleven. The last games have been full of excitement, as they all should, but Rafael Dudamel’s team is going to enter the Lincoln field not only for a win but actually, the first win ever against Uruguay in Copa América.
In spite of that, today might be a good day for them since Luis Suarez is not going to play in this match. And according to Oscar Tabarez, he probably won’t play in the United States at all. The 29-year-old striker, who has been on fire with the Barcelona, is recovering from a lesson, and will continue to do so to be ready for the 2018 World Cup qualification.
Rafael Dudamel might make history today
It might seem weird, soccer, or how Venezuelans call it “fútbol,” is kind of a big thing in the country. And even though they have improved a lot during the last ten years, “La Vinotinto” has a long way ahead. Most people have attributed the team’s faults to inexperienced coaches, and bad management by the FVF (Federación Venezolana de Fútbol) which translates to Venezuelan soccer federation. However, people have been looking up to the team since Mr. Dudamel was named coach, and after Venezuela’s last victory against Jamaica, fans are expecting a lot.
Just by looking at the statistics, anyone can sum up Uruguay is the favorite for this match, especially in this tournament. La Vinotinto has faced Uruguay’s eleven eight times in the stage with a discouraging result of 6 losses, two draws, and not even a single victory. But in the game against Jamaica, Venezuela’s eleven seemed more coordinated and confident which says a lot about Dudamel’s labor.
But “La Celeste” is more than Suarez, and its captain, Diego Godin, proved he can lead a strong team. Some people say that the draw against Mexico shows weakness, but this only means the team from Uruguay will want to storm the Lincoln field to gain momentum. It would be important to notice that The United States and Brazil entered the field in a similar situation and destroyed their opponents.
A battle for survival
The second date is going to be between Mexico and Jamaica, and they both desperately need to win, especially the Reggae Boyz, who lost their first match against Venezuela. They are going to meet at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, and the loser will find himself in the worst position.
Today’s game will be the second time these two teams meet at a Copa América, and the Central American soccer team won back then. Jamaica is going to start with Wes Morgan, who made a big difference in the previous game against La Vinotinto when he entered in the second half.
Source: Copa America Centenario