Copa America exit ‘part of the process’ for Batista’s Venezuela

Venezuela head coach Fernando Batista has branded their Copa America quarter-final exit as "part of the process" after losing on penalties to Canada.

La Vinotinto enjoyed a perfect group stage, winning all three of their games to top Group B while conceding just one goal.

They fought back to force the shootout on Friday, with Salomon Rondon scoring a stunning long-range effort to cancel out Jacob Shaffelburg's early opener.

However, Wilker Angel missed his spot-kick when it went to sudden death, and Canada, making their tournament debut, went into the semi-finals.

Batista has remained positive though, saying his team will use this tournament as a springboard to try and qualify for the World Cup for the first time in their history.

"This is a long process," Batista said.

"We have a huge dream that we're going for. All Venezuelans want to qualify for the World Cup.

"And the Copa America gave us a possibility of strengthening our squad."

Nunca dejaremos de creer.
Nunca dejaremos de tener fe.

𝐄𝐋 𝐒𝐔𝐄𝐍̃𝐎 𝐍𝐎 𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐀 ‍#SiempreVinotinto #VibraElContinente pic.twitter.com/QMZaCLETPo

— La Vinotinto (@SeleVinotinto) July 6, 2024