Venezuela's players celebrate a goal during the Copa America 2019 soccer match between Venezuela and Bolivia at Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, June 22, 2019. (Xinhua/Lucio Tavora)
BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Venezuela qualified for the knockout stage after a 3-1 victory over Bolivia on Saturday at the Mineirao Stadium.
The Vinotinto had a great start when midfielder Darwin Machis scored from a cross just 71 seconds into the game, which is also the fastest goal of the Copa America 2019 in Brazil so far.
Darwin Machis doubled the lead for Venezuela in the 55th minute when he scored from the edge of the box.
Bolivia's Leonel Justiniano reduced the deficit with a goal in the 83rd minute but Josef Martinez extended the lead again for Venezuela with a header three minutes later.
Venezuela finished the second place in Group A with five points after hosts Brazil, who routed Peru 5-0 to reach seven points in Sao Paulo also on Saturday.
Peru, with four points, have to depend on the results of the remaining two groups to see whether they could advance. Bolivia finished the group at the bottom without a point.
Bolivia coach Eduardo Villegas said later that his young players gained much experience in the tournament and urged to improve the level of Bolivia's domestic soccer league.
Venezuela coach Rafael Dudamel said his team controlled the match tactically and will keep on their work in the following match, no matter who they play against.
Venezuela will face the runners-up of Group B in the quarterfinals on Friday at the famous Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
