Atlanta United: Josef Martinez proves goalscoring chops for Venezuela

Josef Martinez scored for Venezuela to secure a Copa America quarter-final berth. The Atlanta United striker is once again proving his goalscoring chops.

This week saw the final group games at the 2019 Copa America, where Atlanta United centre-forward Josef Martinez helped Venezuela through to the knockout stages.

Vino Tinto were in a precarious position coming into the final match-day having drawn their first two matches against Peru and Brazil, with both being goalless affairs. They faced Bolivia in the final match of Group A knowing that a win would be enough for them to qualify, even as one of the two third-place teams.

Darwin Machís of Cadiz CF scored twice to give the Venezuelans a comfortable lead. However, Leonel Justiniano brought one back for Bolivia to make things tight in the final ten minutes.

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Josef Martinez then came into his own for the final moments of the game. The Five Stripes forward was vital for the last period of the game on what was a special night for the Venezuelan as he tallied his 50th appearance for the national side.

He played the final 17 minutes after coming on for goalscorer, Machís. In that time, he had two shots, one of which was on target. Martinez also had 100% pass accuracy and made two clearances from his own penalty area. That single shot on target was all he needed as he notched his 11th international strike. The goal made the game safe for the Vino Tinto, who qualified for the knockout stages.

Martinez has been playing second fiddle to Newcastle United’s Salomon Rondon throughout the tournament, with the Premier League star having started all three of Venezuela’s group matches. However, Rondon is yet to score in over 200 minutes of Copa America action. That could lead to Martinez getting his chance in the quarter-finals.

There were two other MLS stars in action as both Junior Moreno and Jefferson Savarino started in midfield for Venezuela. Both played the full 90 minutes. Real Salt Lake midfielder Savarino had a good game, posting a 97% passing accuracy as well as creating a couple of good chances. Meanwhile, Moreno managed to top that as he did not misplace a pass in the entire 90 minutes.

But the star of the show was Martinez. He once again proved his goalscoring chops, chops that Atlanta United will be desperate to have back in Georgia. That, though, will have to wait. As for now, Martinez has some international responsibilities to tend to.