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COPA AMERICA

Late Corona strike secures top spot for Mexico

Mexico's Corona weaved his way past five players before firing home in the 80th minute to give his side a 1-1 draw with Venezuela.

Jesus Manuel Corona #10 of Mexico celebrates a second half goal with his teammates during the 2016 Copa America Centenario Group match
SCOTT HALLERANAFP

By topping the group Mexico are likely to avoid Argentina in the quarter-finals. Argentina require just a point in their aim to secure top spot in Group D.

Mexico and Venezuela each finished with seven points from their three matches but 'El Tri' had a superior goal difference. Venezuela had seized the advantage in the 10th minute when Jose Manuel Velazquez silenced the pro-Mexico crown in Houston with a sensational overhead kick.

Venezuela's Josef Martinez came close to scoring with a bicycle kick but Mexico goalkeeper Jose de Jesus Corona saved well. Venezuela keeper Daniel Hernandez also produced a string of saves before conceding his first goal of the tournament.

In the group's other match, Uruguay finished the tournament on a high with a 3-0 victory over Jamaica in Santa Clara, California.

With both teams already eliminated after losing their opening two games, Uruguay went ahead through Abel Hernandez in the 21st minute, doubled their lead on an own goal in the 66th minute before Mathias Corujo made it 3-0.

Jamaica ended the tournament without picking up a point or scoring a goal.

SANTA CLARA, CA - JUNE 13: Edinson Cavani #21 of Uruguay attacking the goal, gets tripped up by goal keeper Andre Blake #1
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SANTA CLARA, CA - JUNE 13: Edinson Cavani #21 of Uruguay attacking the goal, gets tripped up by goal keeper Andre Blake #1Thearon W. HendersonAFP