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Soccer-Venezuela seal leading area in Copa Group B with win over Jamaica

Venezuela hammered Jamaica 30 in Texas on Sunday to seal top area in Group B and established a Copa America quarterfinal with Canada.

Goals from Eduard Bello and Salomon Rondon early in the 2nd half, followed by a late strike from Eric Ramirez, guaranteed victory for the Venezuelan side.

Venezuela had already scheduled their area in the last 8 with wins over Ecuador and Mexico and needed simply a point versus already-eliminated Jamaica to clinch top area and prevent defending champs Argentina in the next round.

Jamaica's best chance was available in the 21st minute but Renaldo Cephas' diving header skyrocketed over.

Bello's powerful downward header put the South Americans in front in the 49th minute and Rondon doubled their lead seven minutes later on with a scuffed effort past Jamaica keeper Jahmali Waite.

It was Rondon's 43rd worldwide goal, extending his record as Venezuela's highest scorer.

Ramirez added Venezuela's 3rd on the breakaway in the 85th minute, sending a right-footed shot under the advancing Waite after a well-timed pass from Kervin Andrade.

Venezuela were joined in the last 8 by Group B runners-up Ecuador, who qualified thanks to their remarkable goal distinction after holding Mexico 0-0 in the other match, with both groups tied on 4 points.

(source: Reuters)