In the final match in CONMEBOL qualifying for the year, Venezuela hosted Bolivia with three points on their minds. The crowd in San Cristobal was ready as they fully expected La Vinotinto to make yet another step toward their first ever appearance in a FIFA World Cup finals tournament in Brasil 2014. A heavy downpour that was ongoing throughout the match marked the second time this week that Venezuela have had to contend with a soaked pitch. A shot from Bolivia's Rudy Cardozo drew a great sprawling save from Renny Vega (pictured, black), and the rebound was cleared by Fernando Amorebieta (pictured, maroon). Venezuela nevertheless had the better of Bolivia in the first half, and though Carlos Arias was up to the challenge in Bolivia's goal on a free kick from Cesar Gonzalez, he was outjumped for the resulting corner kick off the boot of Julio Alvarez by Venezuelan center back Oswaldo Vizcarrondo, who headed the ball home for a 1-0 lead for Venezuela midway through the first period. Venezuela held the lead for a 1-0 halftime score in their favor.The second period continued to feature difficult balls as the water made parts of the pitch fast and parts slow. Venezuela had the best chance in the second period, but the two forwards failed to connect on a simple pass across the box to defeat the only defender. The final ten minutes were all Bolivia, but Vega made a save off a direct free kick where Vega's body was completely behind the line. Luckily for Venezuela, Vega's hands prevented the ball from crossing, and Venezuela win the final match in South American qualifying for the year 1-0 over Bolivia. Bolivia remain rooted to the bottom of the table whereas Venezuela move joint top with Uruguay and Argentina.
Goals
Venezuela
Oswaldo Vizcarrondo 24
Uruguay 7 pts +6
Argentina 7 pts +3
Venezuela 7 pts 0
Ecuador 6 pts +3
Chile 6 pts -3
Colombia 4 pts 0
Paraguay 4 pts -3
Peru 3 pts -2
Bolivia 1 pts -4
Match Reports:
Highlights:
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