Venezuela holds on for Copa America win over 10-man Jamaica

Venezuela rode a first-half goal from Josef Martinez to a 1-0 win over Jamaica in Copa America Centenario's Group C opener.

Martinez finished off a smooth combination after a Jamaica turnover in the 15th minute, beating goalkeeper Andre Blake from close range for the game's only goal.

Jamaica started without Leicester City captain Wes Morgan, who was said to be too tired to play Sunday after celebrating Leicester's Premier League title, yet he came on less than 40 minutes into the game, with Jamaica down a man. The Reggae Boyz were reduced to 10 when Rodolph Austin was sent off for a stomp on Tomas Rincon while attempting to play the ball.

Even so, Jamaica still had a couple of chances rattle the woodwork but couldn't quite get the equalizer it needed and ends its opening match without a point.

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Josef Martinez with the finish after some slick one-touch passing from Venezuela. It's 0-1 #JAMvVEN https://t.co/AoV1ai1cpb
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 5, 2016

Rodolph Austin sent off for this studs-up clearance/tackle. Harsh call? You be the judge... #JAMvVEN #MyCopaColors https://t.co/Um9IeVJgX2
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 5, 2016

Here is @ItsTheJFF lineup for today's #JAMvVEN match: pic.twitter.com/ACk3OZORGE
— CONMEBOL Copa América™️ (@CopaAmerica) June 5, 2016

Check out @SeleVinotinto's roster for today's #JAMvVEN match: pic.twitter.com/PUIvk7K6dX
— CONMEBOL Copa América™️ (@CopaAmerica) June 5, 2016

Jamaica will face Mexico in a 2015 Gold Cup final rematch, and Venezuela will meet Uruguay in the next Group C games on June 9.

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