Copa America: 15 surprises so far

Jun 9, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Venezuela midfielder Tomas Rincon (8) and defender Oswaldo Vizcarrondo (4) and defender Wilker Angel (2) celebrate a victory against Uruguay in a group play stage of the 2016 Copa America Centenario at Lincoln Financial Field. Venezuela won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

10 of 16

Jun 13, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Mexico forward Jesus Manuel Corona (10) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the second half against Venezuela during the group play stage of the 2016 Copa America Centenario at NRG Stadium. Venezuela and Mexico tied 1-1. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Jesus Corona owns the tournament’s best goal

A tournament field full of superstars figured to produce some spectacular goals, and the Centenario has not disappointed in that regard up to the semifinals. Many fairly expected someone like Messi, Chicharito or James Rodriguez to end up scoring the best goal of the tournament.

While a couple of those stars could still make their mark in the semifinals and beyond, they have been outdone by an individual effort from a lesser known player from Mexico. So far, Jesus Corona’s strike against Venezuela ranks as the best goal of the Centenario.

With Mexico trailing 1-0 in the 80th minute against the underdog Venezuelans, Corona scored to secure a draw and ensure a first place finish for Mexico in Group C. As the video from FOX Soccer shows below, Corona dribbles through the Venezuelan defense before firing the ball past Daniel Hernandez. who was on the verge of his third clean sheet of the group stage.

"what a goal https://t.co/jhyM5HdXg7 — 7mara (@carvajaIs) June 15, 2016"

Not only did Corona offer the spectacular goal, he was one of the most surprising individuals in the Centenario. Corona proved difficult for defenders to contain in the group stage, and he helped Mexico have a balanced attack that went beyond just Chicharito.

The 23-year-old has eight goals in 28 career appearances with Porto, and could be an even bigger name on the world stage soon enough if the Copa America is any indication.

Next: 6. Pedro Gallese was the top goalie in the group stage

Home/Copa America