HOUSTON, Texas -- Jesus "Tecatito" Corona slalomed through the Venezuelan defense 10 minutes from time to rescue a 1-1 draw for Mexico in its final Group C match in front of 67,319 fans in Houston's NRG Stadium.
Jose Manuel Velazquez had opened the scoring early for Venezuela, but Mexico finished top of Group C -- ahead of Venezuela only on goal difference -- and is now 22 games undefeated in all competitions, which is a new national team record.
Mexico will play Chile or Panama in Santa Clara, Calif. on Saturday, June 18, while Venezuela is almost certain to face Argentina in Foxborough, Ma. the same day.
Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio made nine changes for the final Group C match, with Venezuela coach Rafael Dudamel also switching four players from its 1-0 upset victory over Uruguay, with both sides already through to the knockout rounds.
Substitute Corona stole to show against a well-organized Venezuela, with a solo effort 10 minutes from time. The Porto player received the ball on the left of the midfield and charged at goal, leaving five Venezuela players in his wake before finishing.
It was a nervy night for Mexico, especially after Velazquez struck an overhead kick past goalkeeper Jesus Corona in the 10th minute from a free kick from the left flank, which Christian Santos headed back into his path.
It was only the second goal Mexico had conceded in the 10 games Juan Carlos Osorio has been in charge, with this game the only won the Colombian hasn't won as coach of El Tri.
Corona had come on in the 18th, after left-winger Javier Aquino limped off the pitch with an injury to his left leg.
Mexico winger Hirving Lozano caused consistent problems for Venezuela down the right flank in the first half and went close in the 22nd after a give and go with Oribe Peralta on the edge of the penalty area.
El Tri had an appeal for a penalty turned down before half-time when Hector Moreno's header appeared to strike Venezuela's Wilker Angel's arm from close range.
Mexico coach Osorio threw on Miguel Layun at half-time and Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez in the 68th , when El Tri switched from a 4-3-3 formation to a 4-4-2 in search of the equalizer.
Hernandez had a good chance from a free-kick in the 70th, just after Torino forward Josef Martinez -- who had also just come on -- was put through on goal, but his weak effort was easily saved by Corona.
Venezuela goalkeeper Daniel Hernandez made a stunning double-save from a corner from Diego Reyes and Andres Guardado in the 75th and tackles flew in as Venezuela tried to hold on.
Corona's magic ended up saving Mexico and helping El Tri avoid a difficult quarterfinal against Argentina, while Venezuela remain undefeated at the Copa America and perhaps the surprise of the tournament so far.