Jamaica 0, Venezuela 1 | Copa America Centenario Recap

Benjamin Baer

They were picked as one of the dark horses of the tournament before it started but Jamaica's Copa America Centenario hopes may have been extinguished after just 24 minutes.

That was when Rodolph Austin was show a red card for a challenge that raked Tomas Rincon's shin, after the Jamaican had cleared a ball. The card also came after Venezuela pounced on a Michael Hector mistake in the 15th minute. After a beautiful string of passes, Josef Martinez got the ball through Andre Blake's legs to give Venezuela a lead.

#JAMvVEN: Mira cómo fue el gol de Martínez para @SeleVinotinto. #CopaAmerica https://t.co/2vQmfQaTY2
— TUDN USA (@TUDNUSA) June 5, 2016

Jamaica had a few chances for the rest of the match, including a Hector shot that hit the post at the start of the second half and some more chances on set pieces. The Reggae Boyz will need to beat CONCACAF rivals Mexico for any hope of advancing to the knockout rounds.

Box Score

15' - VEN - Josef Martinez (Alejandro Guerra)
Full box score
Stats

Three Things

WHAT'S UP WITH WES?: Wes Morgan is coming off one of the most incredible seasons a soccer player could ever have. He captained Leicester City, a team picked by most to be relegated, to a Premier League championship and since he lifted the trophy he's had some fun. This included partying in England and Thailand, so when he showed up to Jamaica's camp it was no surprise that he was a little worse for wear. That meant that he would not get the start vs. Venezuela but would be available off the bench. Shockingly, despite being unable to start, Morgan entered the game in the 40th minute after New York Red Bulls left back Kemar Lawrence went down with an injury. With his insertion the question has to be asked why could he not start?

ON REPEAT: Few picked Venezuela to have a shot at advancing out of Group C before Copa America started. That might still be the case, but a win against Jamaica sure doesn't hurt. The win to start this Copa America comes a year after one of the most shocking results of last year's Copa America, when Venezuela beat Colombia in their group stage match. But now comes the hard part. First La Vinotinto will have to contend a Uruguay team who they have not beaten since 2006 and then they will face one of the de facto home teams of this tournament in Mexico. They will likely need a win in one of those two matches for any hope of advancing.

AUSTIN, SCHAFER TOSSED:
Rodolph Austin wasn't the only one ejected from Sunday's game. Jamaica coach Winfried Schafer was also thrown out at halftime after arguing with the officials during the break. He watched the second half from the stands. As for Austin, some called the red he was shown harsh, others thought it was justified. It was clear that his foot was in a position it should not have been but how important is it that he got the ball first. You be the judge.

Rodolph Austin sent off for this studs-up clearance/tackle. Harsh call? You be the judge... #JAMvVEN #MyCopaColors https://t.co/Um9IeVJgX2
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 5, 2016