The Venezuelan national team lost this Friday to Canada in a quarter-final match that was decided in a penalty shootout, and said goodbye to the 2024 Copa América.
The match played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, United States, ended in a 1-1 tie following 90 minutes of regulation time. In the penalty shootout, the Venezuelan kickers missed three shots and ended up losing 4-3.
On a positive note, La Vinotinto finished its participation in the tournament with three wins and one draw. In addition, forward José Salomón Rondón scored a goal from almost halfway, which is shaping up to be one of the best goals of the tournament.
Canadian Danger
The Canadian team created a lot of danger in the Venezuelan area during the first half hour of the match. The speed of the American attackers surprised the Vinotinto defense more than once, until the goal was scored in the 13th minute.
A quickly executed throw-in created a chance for the Canadians, which Jacob Shaffelburg converted to give Canada the lead.
After the goal, the team dressed in white kept up the pressure on the goal defended by Rafael Romo, who repelled several clear opportunities and kept the difference at one goal.
Despite the disarray on the pitch, Venezuela also had chances to tie the game in the first half, but they were not realized.
In the second half, La Vinotinto was able to control the match more and propose offensive play, although without the necessary clarity to score. Coach Fernando “Bocha” Batista brought in forward Jhonder Cádiz to attack with two forwards, but there was no great difference.
After the hour mark, Canada had a corner kick that Jon Aramburu cleared towards the middle of the field. The ball was fought for by Salomón Rondón, who took advantage of the fact that the Canadian goalkeeper was outside his area and fired a shot from more than 30 meters away to make it 1-1 in the 64th minute.
Canadian coach Jesse Marsch made several changes that improved his team’s attack. Batista did the same in Venezuela, but the score remained the same until the end.
Penalty shootout
Salomón Rondón kicked first for La Vinotinto and scored, as did Jonathan David for Canada.
Yangel Herrera was the second to take the lead and his shot went wide. Liam Miller also had a good chance to take the lead, so the score remained level.
Tomás Rincón was effective in his effort, while Moise Bombito did the same. Jefferson Savarino also missed his chance and Romo equalised by saving Stephen Eustáquio’s shot.
Jhonder Cádiz scored in the fifth inning and Venezuela’s hopes depended on a mistake by Canadian captain Alphonso Davies or a save by Romo. However, the Bayern Munich player showed his mettle and executed it perfectly.
In sudden death, Wilker Ángel missed his shot, while Ismael Koné sealed Canada’s qualification to its first Copa América semi-finals.
Future
Now La Vinotinto turns its gaze toward the resumption of the World Cup qualifiers in September, when they will challenge Bolivia in La Paz and Uruguay in Venezuela, in a venue that will possibly be the Monumental de Monagas stadium.
Puerto La Cruz / Javier A. Guaipo
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2024-07-06 20:08:07
