Venezuelan goalkeeper Rafael Romo said his team had been “underrated” after their 1-0 Copa América victory over Mexico on Wednesday, criticizing what he called the “arrogance” and “ignorance” of the Mexican media before the clash .
Romo, 34, saved an 87th-minute penalty from Mexican substitute Orbelin Pineda after Salomon Rondon had given Venezuela the lead from the spot to make it two wins from two and top Group B.
Venezuela is now assured of a place in the Copa America quarter-finals ahead of its final group match against Jamaica in Austin, Texas, on Sunday, while Mexico will need to beat Ecuador in Glendale, Arizona, to advance.
“Mexico is a great team that plays well,” Romo told TUDN. “We have the humility to recognize our opponents. We do not have that arrogance, that ignorance that many Mexican journalists have, who underestimate us.”
“We came here to do our job and we got three points that are very valuable for us.”
Venezuela had failed to beat Mexico in 13 games entering Wednesday's game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Before the match, the front page of Mexican sports daily Record ran the headline “Venezuela, I am your father” – with an image of Darth Vader – highlighting Mexico's “absolute dominance” in previous encounters.
Venezuela was eliminated in the group stage of the 2021 Copa América, finishing last in its group, while in 2019 it was defeated by Argentina in the quarterfinals.
They have been in impressive form in recent months and have lost only once in their last eight competitive matches.
“I'm happy that we were able to bring joy to the people of Venezuela. We play for that,” said Venezuelan coach Fernando Batista. “But we have to stay calm and grounded.”
