Adalberto Penaranda went close to capping his first international start with a goal as Venezuela dumped Uruguay out of the Copa America to reach the quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory in Philadelphia.

The 19-year-old, who signed for the Hornets in January, played on the left wing and was denied his first senior international goal in the 68th minute of an eye-catching performance by a fine save from goalkeeper Fernando Muslera when through one-on-one.

By that stage though, Venezuela had already scored what proved to be the winner after 36 minutes when West Bromwich Albion striker Salomon Rondon tapped home after Muslera had only been able to tip Alejandro Guerra’s long-range lob onto the bar.

Following their 1-0 victory over Jamaica, Venezuela have six points and will now meet Mexico, who also have a 100 per cent record, on Monday to determine who will progress to the last eight as Group C winners.