Copa America Schedule 2016: Live Stream, TV Info, Odds for Thursday's Group
Uruguay will look to bounce back from their opening-game defeat at the 2016 Copa America on Thursday, when they take on Venezuela in Group C.
Meanwhile, their conquerors, Mexico, will look to capitalise on their winning start against Jamaica, who suffered a 1-0 loss to Venezuela in their first match.
It's all still to play for in the group, so read on for a look at how the two matches might play out. First, here is the schedule and odds for both games:
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| 7:30 p.m./ 12.30 a.m (Friday) | Uruguay vs. Venezuela | 5-9 | 14-5 | 11-2 |
| 10 p.m./3 a.m. (Friday) | Mexico vs. Jamaica | 20-63 | 4-1 | 10-1 |
In the U.S., the action can be found at Fox Sports or streamed live via Fox Soccer 2GO. In the UK, Premier Sports will broadcast the games.
Odds courtesy of Odds Shark and Oddschecker.
Uruguay vs. Venezuela
Despite their respective results in their opening games, Uruguay should have little trouble overcoming Venezuela on paper.
However, the defeat to Mexico puts real pressure on La Celeste, making Thursday's game a must-win.
Uruguay boss Oscar Tabarez recognised as much but insisted his players remain unaffected, per beIN Sports: "We have a very difficult situation against Venezuela, and if we do not win we are out. We have to play well and then we will see. But we are calm, because a lot of teams have lost their first games and still become champions."
To do so, they'll need another captain's performance from Diego Godin. The skipper netted their goal against Mexico, footage shared by the tournament's official Twitter feed:
Fox Sports' Aaron West hailed the Atletico Madrid defender's threat from set pieces:
Indeed, as well as being one of the best centre-backs in world football, Godin is also more than capable of helping his side in an attacking sense—something they may need if Luis Suarez is still on the sidelines.
Neither Edinson Cavani nor Diego Rolan inspired confidence against Mexico—indeed, the latter missed a gilt-edged chance—and neither can match the sheer ruthlessness and tenacity the Barcelona striker possesses.
Per PA Sport (h/t Eurosport), Uruguay midfielder Alvaro Gonzalez gave the latest on Suarez's fitness: "We are very happy with the way he is progressing with the injury. He's still trying to control himself and doesn't want his body going too hard, but he is feeling good. We will wait and see when we can count on him."
Uruguay should still be able to win without him, but it's likely they'll have to grind out results until he's back.
Mexico vs. Jamaica
Aside from Andres Guardado's dismissal, the opener could scarcely have gone better for El Tri, as they thoroughly convinced on their way to collecting three points.
ESPN FC's Tom Marshall hailed their first-half performance in the 3-1 win, as they pushed forward with style and abandon:
"Quality half from Mexico. El Tri has stifled Uruguay and looked dangerous going forward. 71% possession in the first 45. Mex 1-0 Uru.
— Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup) June 6, 2016"
After the break, they scored twice with 10 men, as Rafael Marquez and Hector Herrera sealed the win.
Jamaica narrowly lost their first match of the Copa despite captain Rodolph Austin receiving his marching orders in the first half, and had they enjoyed a full complement of players throughout, they may well have at least drawn the game.
Mexico will be a different prospect, though, and it's difficult to see the Reggae Boyz providing a serious threat to El Tri.
The Mexicans are enjoying a fine run of form under manager Juan Carlos Osorio, per Marshall:
With momentum on their side, expect Mexico to take another step toward the knockout stages by winning here.
