Colombia 0-1 Venezuela: Solomon Rondon’s header provides early Copa America shock

Solomon Rondon headed the only goal of the game on 60 minutes
Radamel Falcao started upfront and captained Colombia on Sunday
Juan Cuadrado and James Rodriguez both also started for Colombia

Published:
20:57 GMT, 14 June 2015

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Updated:
23:01 GMT, 14 June 2015

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Colombia got off to a disappointing start in the Copa America on Sunday, losing 1-0 to Venezuela in the first game for each team in the South American championship.

Salomon Rondon, Venezuela’s biggest threat in the match, headed the winner past goalkeeper David Ospina and into the far corner in the 60th minute.

It was Venezuela’s first victory over Colombia in the Copa America, a major step for a country known more for producing baseball players than footballers.

Solomon Rondon proved Venezuela’s matchwinner as they beat Colombia 1-0 in the Copa America on Sunday

Rondon (centre) rose highest to head home the only goal of the game against Colombia on 60 minutes

Venezuela’s No 9 wheels away in celebration after his second-half header against Colombia

Rondon was subsequently bundled by his team-mates after scoring the decisive goal of the match

MATCH FACTS

Colombia: Ospina, Armero (Martinez 82), Zapata, Murillo, Sanchez (Martinez 64), Rodriguez, Valencia, Cuadrado, Zuniga, Bacca (Gutierrez 72), Falcao.

Subs: Vargas, Franco, Arias, Cardona, Andrade, Valdes Parra, Mejia, Ibarbo, Muriel, Bonilla.

Booked: Zapata, Sanchez, Rodriguez.

Venezuela: Baroja, Vizcarrondo, Amorebieta, Rosales, Tunez, Arango (Cichero 86), Seijas (Lucena 75), Rincon, Vargas (Gonzalez 78), Guerra, Rondon.

Subs: Hernandez, Angel, Miku, Martinez, Acosta, Perozo, Rivas, Farinez.

Goal: Rondon 60

Booked: Vizcarrondo, Amorebieta, Seijas, Lucena.

Referee: Andres Cunha (Uruguay)

Attendance: 11,000

‘We knew we were facing one of the favourites, and that we had to be disciplined and not let them think,’ Venezuela coach Noel Sanvicente said. ‘This game should put a smile on every Venezuelan.’

Colombia, a quarter-finalist in last year’s World Cup and one of the tournament’s most exciting teams, was poor throughout the Group C match, despite fielding the likes of Real Madrid’s James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao of Monaco.

‘We couldn’t play the way we usually play,’ Colombia coach Jose Pekerman said. ‘We had difficulty finding the correct passes and Venezuela defended well.’

Venezuela frustrated Colombia’s attacks before they could get going, put up a strong and physical defense, as well as always threatening on the counter-attack.

Venezuela’s Ronald Vargas had the best early chance, with a point-blank shot in the 27th minute that was stopped by Ospina. Alejandro Guerra also came close in the 42nd minute with an effort that sailed just wide.

By contrast, Colombia offered little in the first half.

Venezuela supporters were out in full force ahead of Sunday’s Copa America encounter against Colombia

Likewise, thousands of Colombians arrived to get behind their team in their opening match of the tournament

Colombia playmaker James Rodriguez (right) dribbles with the ball during the opening stages of the match

Colombia captain Radamel Falcao (right) plays a pass as the pre-match favourites look to start an attack

Colombia winger Juan Cuadrado (left) rides the challenge of Venezuela midfielder Tomas Rincon

Pekerman’s team attacked early in the second half and, just as it was building momentum, Rondon broke the deadlock with the goal – 10 minutes after he had hit the crossbar with another header.

Venezuela keeper Alain Baroja came up with his two key saves of the match in the 79th minute, when he denied James and Edwin Cardona as Colombia pressed for an equaliser.

Group C action continues when Brazil plays Colombia on Wednesday and Peru faces Venezuela on Thursday.