<p><a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/mexico">Mexico</a> is set to square off against <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/venezuela">Venezuela</a> in a crucial <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/copa-america">Copa America</a> Group B encounter on Wednesday in Inglewood, California, where they could be without skipper Edson Alvarez following a hamstring injury.</p><p>The West Ham midfielder collapsed clutching his hamstring in the 30th minute of Mexico's 1-0 victory over <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/jamaica">Jamaica</a> on Saturday, leaving the pitch in tears.</p><p>Despite manager Jaime Lozano not officially ruling out Alvarez, hinting at further tests on Tuesday, he acknowledged the need for other seasoned squad members to step up.</p><p>"I think we have many leaders," Lozano told reporters.</p><p>"Of course, it is a hard hit to lose your captain in the first match in the tournament such as this one. But I think the team became stable very fast (against Jamaica). They gave a great performance."</p><p>Luis Romo, who stepped in for Alvarez and contributed to Gerardo Arteaga's match-winning goal, is tipped to start for 'El Tri' against Venezuela.</p>.When footballers took a political stance.<p>Mexico, who are playing their 11th Copa America, hold the record for the most appearances by any guest nation at the South American tournament.</p><p>As co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup, Mexico have earned automatic qualification, making this edition of the Copa America a significant part of their preparations.</p><p>"It is the most similar tournament to a World Cup for us," Lozano said.</p><p>"CONMEBOL has three world champions. There's a reason for that."</p><p>Top spot in the group is up for grabs in Wednesday's clash after Venezuela managed a 2-1 comeback win against 10-man Ecuador in their opening match on Saturday.</p><p>Venezuela's second-half comeback was spearheaded by goals from Jhonder Cadiz and Eduard Bello, with veteran striker Salomon Rondon providing the assist and playing a part in the build-up to the second goal.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/mexico">Mexico</a> is set to square off against <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/venezuela">Venezuela</a> in a crucial <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/copa-america">Copa America</a> Group B encounter on Wednesday in Inglewood, California, where they could be without skipper Edson Alvarez following a hamstring injury.</p><p>The West Ham midfielder collapsed clutching his hamstring in the 30th minute of Mexico's 1-0 victory over <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/jamaica">Jamaica</a> on Saturday, leaving the pitch in tears.</p><p>Despite manager Jaime Lozano not officially ruling out Alvarez, hinting at further tests on Tuesday, he acknowledged the need for other seasoned squad members to step up.</p><p>"I think we have many leaders," Lozano told reporters.</p><p>"Of course, it is a hard hit to lose your captain in the first match in the tournament such as this one. But I think the team became stable very fast (against Jamaica). They gave a great performance."</p><p>Luis Romo, who stepped in for Alvarez and contributed to Gerardo Arteaga's match-winning goal, is tipped to start for 'El Tri' against Venezuela.</p>.When footballers took a political stance.<p>Mexico, who are playing their 11th Copa America, hold the record for the most appearances by any guest nation at the South American tournament.</p><p>As co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup, Mexico have earned automatic qualification, making this edition of the Copa America a significant part of their preparations.</p><p>"It is the most similar tournament to a World Cup for us," Lozano said.</p><p>"CONMEBOL has three world champions. There's a reason for that."</p><p>Top spot in the group is up for grabs in Wednesday's clash after Venezuela managed a 2-1 comeback win against 10-man Ecuador in their opening match on Saturday.</p><p>Venezuela's second-half comeback was spearheaded by goals from Jhonder Cadiz and Eduard Bello, with veteran striker Salomon Rondon providing the assist and playing a part in the build-up to the second goal.</p>