Cristian Rodriguez gives Uruguay unconvincing win over Jamaica
/dnl.eurosport.com/sd/img/placeholder/eurosport_logo_1x1.png){kind=logo}
ByEurosport
Updated 13/06/2015 at 22:53 GMT
Copa America Group B, Estadio Regional Calvo y Bascunan - Uruguay 1 (Rodriguez 52') Jamaica 0.
Uruguay's Cristian Rodriguez (7) celebrates his goal with teammates Jose Gimenez (2) and Diego Godin during their first round Copa America 2015 soccer match against Jamaica at Estadio Regional Calvo y Bascunan in Antofagasta, Chile, June 13, 2015
Image credit: Reuters
Uruguay got their Copa America defence off to a winning start, although Oscar Tabarez’s side were somewhat fortunate to claim a 1-0 win over an impressive Jamaica side.
Cristian Rodriguez scored what turned out to be the winner for Uruguay - who are of course without Luis Suarez through suspension - forcing home a well-worked free kick move to edge his side into a 1-0 52nd-minute lead.
However, Uruguay were far from convincing and were handed a stern test from Jamaica, with Darren Mattocks, Giles Barnes and Jobi McAnuff all playing well for the Reggae Boys as they suffered an unfortunate opening game defeat.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2015/06/14/1614031-34278264-2560-1440.jpg)
Jamaica's Giles Barnes is chased by Uruguay's Egidio Arevalo Rios (17, hidden) and Uruguay's Marcelo Lodeiro during their first round Copa America 2015 soccer match at Estadio Regional Calvo y Bascunan in Antofagasta, Chile, June 13, 2015
Image credit: Reuters
KEY EVENTS
39’ - FIRST REAL SAVE OF THE MATCH! Rodriguez turns really nicely on the edge of the box to lose his marker and sends a shot towards goal, but Kerr is at full-stretch to make the diving save.
41’ - WHAT AN OPPORTUNITY! Mattocks forces a mistake from both Gimenez and Godin and is clean through on goal with a volley, but he completely fluffs his lines and doesn't make a connection.
44’ - OPPORTUNITY: Best chance of the match for Cavani. It was a difficult opportunity for the PSG forward, but he got a shot away with an acrobatic effort - flashing the ball just past the near post.
52’ - GOAL! Uruguay 1 Jamaica 0: They might not deserve it on the basis of play, but Uruguay have the lead! Lodeiro's free-kick is bundled home by Rodriguez inside the area.
61’ - MUSLERA WHOOPS: That was the best opportunity of the second half for Jamaica. Muslera came miles off his line to make a poor clearance, leaving Barnes with the chance to shoot from 25 yards. But with the goal gaping he put his effort wide.
66’ - CHALLENGE: Godin is called upon to make a crucial interception! Barnes was waiting at the back post to convert a low pass across the face of the Uruguay goal, but the defender cuts out the cross.
77’ - HEADED CHANCE: Muslera was nowhere near that and was concerned. Barnes got in front of his marker to win a header and send the ball towards goal, but with the Uruguay keeper beaten the ball flashed past the far post.
81’ - BROWN COMES CLOSE: Brown comes close! Brown beats Gimenez to a cross and glances a header towards goal, climbing high to win a Laing cross into the area, but the effort flashes past the far post.
86’ - FREE-KICK EFFORT: That required a good save from Muslera! Lawrence sends a left-footed shot towards goal, and the Uruguay goalkeeper tips the effort over his own bar - just to play things safe.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2015/06/14/1614041-34278464-2560-1440.jpg)
Uruguay's Edinson Cavani controls the ball during the first round Copa America 2015 soccer match against Jamaica at Estadio Regional Calvo y Bascunan in Antofagasta, Chile, June 13, 2015
Image credit: Reuters
TALKING POINT - How much will Uruguay miss Luis Suarez this summer?
Tabarez’s side will be without their best player in Chile this summer, with Suarez serving the suspension that was meted out to him for the bite on Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup. And without the Barcelona man Uruguay lacked energy and drive in the final third, with Edison Cavani toiling to make any real impression as the focal point of the attack.
MAN OF THE MATCH - Cristian Rodriguez
The Atletico Madrid wide man scored the winner for Uruguay, but he was also their best player in what was a below-par performance. With Cavani failing to make his presence and quality felt in the final third it was up to Rodriguez to provide the defending champions with the spark they needed to claim an opening-game victory.
PLAYER RATINGS
Uruguay - Muslera 6, Pareira 5, Gimenez 4, Godin 6, Pereira 5, Arevalo 6, Lodeiro 5, Sanchez 5, Rodriguez 7, Rolan 6, Cavani 5. Subs - Stuani 5, Arrascata, Gonzalez.
Jamaica - Kerr 7, Mariappa 6, Hector 6, Morgan 5, Lawrence 7, Austin 5, McCleary 6, McAnuff 7, Barnes 7, Dawkins 5, Mattocks 7. Subs - Laing 6, Brown 6.
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement